self portrait with monkey frida kahlo

self portrait with monkey frida kahloFrida Kahlo painted this picture in 1938, at a time when she was intensely exploring the genre of the self portrait as a means of expressing her emotions and identity. Commissioned by the New York artist and patron A. Conger Goodyear, this work also marks one of Frida's first major international successes. In it, she affirms her deep connection with nature, Mexican culture and the animals that surround her, while maintaining a strong frontal presence.

The composition is taken from a drawing by the artist Jean-François Millet

This painting expresses both a lucid acceptance of death and a fantastical vision of its omnipresence

adding unexpected elements such as touches of modern graffiti and striking contrasts of black and white

occupies a large part of the canvas

In this Jackson Pollock-inspired reinterpretation of ‘Sunflowers’

His posture is bent

with its garrigue

The lyricism and violence that emerge from this romantic work first surprised the public and the supporters of the new regime who wanted to appease the working classes

revisited with the chromatic sensuality and lightness of touch unique to Renoir

it is an invitation to contemplate

is skilfully structured by the color

These elements interlock and overlap