Self Portrait With Thorn Necklace And Hummingbird By Frida Kahlo
Self Portrait With Thorn Necklace And Hummingbird is one of the most famous paintings of Frida Kahlo. The painting was created in 1940 and is currently housed in the Harry Ransom Center at The University of Texas at Austin. It is an oil on canvas painting that measures 61cm x 47cm.
The Story Behind The Painting
The painting depicts Frida Kahlo wearing a thorn necklace, with a black monkey on her right shoulder and a hummingbird on the left. The thorn necklace is a symbol of the pain that Frida Kahlo experienced in her life, both physical and emotional. The black monkey represents the devil that Frida believed was always with her, and the hummingbird represents hope and freedom.
Frida Kahlo suffered from polio as a child, which left her with a limp. When she was 18 years old, she was in a bus accident that left her with multiple injuries, including a broken spine and pelvis. She had to undergo multiple surgeries and spent years in pain. She also suffered multiple miscarriages and had a tumultuous relationship with her husband, artist Diego Rivera.
The Symbolism in the Painting
The thorn necklace in the painting is a symbol of the pain that Frida Kahlo experienced in her life. She once said, "I paint self-portraits because I am so often alone, because I am the person I know best." The black monkey on her shoulder is a symbol of the devil that she believed was always with her. She wrote in her diary, "I am not sick. I am broken. But I am happy to be alive as long as I can paint." The hummingbird represents hope and freedom. Frida Kahlo once said, "Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?"
The Technique Used
Self Portrait With Thorn Necklace And Hummingbird is an oil on canvas painting. Frida Kahlo used a technique called "magic realism" in her paintings. This technique combines realistic details with fantastical elements to create a dreamlike atmosphere. The painting is rich in color and texture, with a vivid blue background and intricate details in the thorn necklace and hummingbird.
The Legacy of the Painting
Self Portrait With Thorn Necklace And Hummingbird is one of the most iconic paintings of Frida Kahlo. It has been reproduced in countless forms, from t-shirts to coffee mugs. The painting has become a symbol of strength and resilience in the face of pain and suffering. Frida Kahlo's legacy as an artist and feminist icon continues to inspire people around the world.
The Bottom Line
Self Portrait With Thorn Necklace And Hummingbird is a powerful painting that captures the pain and resilience of Frida Kahlo's life. The painting has become an iconic symbol of strength and hope in the face of adversity. Frida Kahlo's legacy as an artist and feminist icon continues to inspire people around the world.