If Adelita... or The Peaked Caps

If Adelita or The Peaked Caps (1927) Oil on canvas 65,3 x 45,1 cm. 25 5/8" x 17 3/4" Private Collection, Mexico

"The Cachuchas" was a young people's political group that Frida joined while attending school at the Escuela Nacional Preparatoria. They were so named because of the peaked caps they wore. Frida portrayed several of the group members in this painting along with symbols related to their interests. From left to right is Alejandro Gomez Arias, boyfriend of Frida and leader of the group. Next is Miguel N. Lira, with a pinwheel in his hand, nicknamed "Chong Lee" by Frida because of his love of Chinese poetry. Next is the author Octavio Bustamante, whose book "Invitation to the Dancing" is shown above (left side). Next, Frida paints herself with a style still under the European influence. Sitting next to Frida is the composer Angel Salas, his symbol is a sheet of music (above right). In the bottom right corner is a portion of the painting "Portrait of Ruth Quintanilla" that Frida painted in 1927. And, finally, the lady with her back to the viewer is Carmen Jaime, the only other woman in the group. The remaining symbols in the painting represent the interests of the members of the group. The people in this painting are real life people and demonstrates Kahlo's ability to capture their true likeness. The style of the painting is Frida's obscure version of "Cubism", a popular style at the time. The alternative title of this painting: "Si Adelita..." ("If Adelita..."), is the beginning lyrics of a popular festive Mexican tune. A priest in Mexico, who claims to be the executor of the Miguel Lira estate, claims that Frida did not paint this painting. He claims to have documented proof that Lira taught Kahlo how to paint in the "Cubist" style and that this painting was painted by Lira himself and only signed by Kahlo. Lira relatives dispute that claim saying Lira didn't even know how to paint.