Frida Kahlo was a pioneer in art history. She lived during the first decade of the 20th century. Her dreams were her inspiration. She was not without her ups and downs. She survived a bus accident, and she also had many love affairs. She combined Christian symbolism with her own dreams, which she called her reality.
She was overcome with depression and miscarriages during her childhood, so she became a full-time animal lover. Her artworks often featured animals as models. Her paintings include hummingbirds and dogs as well as cats, monkeys, and hummingbirds. One of her self-portraits shows her with four spider monkeys. Kahlo was made to love the animals as tender and protective symbols. Contrary to Mexican mythology, monkeys are considered symbols of lust.
Self-Portrait With Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird was the most important Frida Kahlo selbstportraits. Some art historians believe that Kahlo wanted this painting to demonstrate that she was resurrected and has begun a new life. The hummingbird was added to her necklace as a symbol for this idea. In Mexican culture, the hummingbird is a symbol of hope and good fortune. The audience might notice that the black cat, which is considered a symbol for bad luck and hope in Mexican culture, has taken its place behind Kahlo’s right shoulder. There are many interpretations of the hummingbird pendant as it relates to Huitzilopochtli. It is believed to be an Aztec god for war, and could also refer to the internal pain Kahlo endured throughout her entire life.
The thorn necklace and butterflies were also important symbols in the painting. The thorn necklace and butterflies are symbolic of resurrection. They may also signify her rebirth after the accident. The thorn necklace that she wears could be a symbol of Jesus’ crown made of thorns. He wore it while being dragged to the cross.
Kahlo also used these symbols to create a painting that combined Christianity and animal symbolism. In The Little Deer, she is depicted as a deer with an human face. In this painting, the artist portrays herself. The artwork has a more significant detail. The deer that is being wounded by the arrows reminds of Andrea Mantegna’s 1480 depiction Saint Sebastian. It could also be a reference the crucifixion or resurrection.
Kahlo is a strong individual, as can be seen in her captivating paintings that are directly connected to her life and in her colorful clothes.
Copyright – Classicalnet