Portrait of Dr. Otto Ruhle (Retrato del Dr. Otto Ruhle), 1940

Using large areas of bright color, Rivera paints a bright, intimate portrait of the eponymous subject. A German education reformer, Ruhle was deeply committed to both social and political transformation in Mexico and served as a political advisor. Rivera’s soft blues and inviting yellows give the piece a certain familiarity, as if he captured Ruhle in a moment of brief introspection between conversational dialogue. The gentle yet noble portrayal creates a warm portrait of an important individual.

Creator: Diego Rivera

Date:

Original Medium: oil on canvas

Original Size: 35 1/2 x 31 in

Location: Dallas Museum of Art