The artwork titled “Self Portrait with Necklace of Thorns” was created by the renowned artist Frida Kahlo in 1940. It is an oil painting on canvas with dimensions of 63.5 x 49.5 cm. The piece is considered to be a part of the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and falls into the genre of a self-portrait. Presently, the artwork is housed at the Harry Ransom Center, which is affiliated with the University of Texas, located in Austin, TX, United States.
In this expressive artwork, Frida Kahlo offers a stark window into her personal identity and experiences. Central to the composition is her intensely gazing face amidst a backdrop of lush green leaves. Kahlo’s iconic eyebrow and keen gaze confront the viewer, mesmerizing and bold. Resting atop her head is her signature hairstyle, embellished with ribbon and delicate butterflies, which adds both a sense of beauty and cultural reference to her Mexican heritage.
Two enigmatic creatures accompany her on either side: a black cat to her right and a monkey to her left, both of which may symbolize different aspects of her life and persona. The necklace made of thorns that encircles her neck from which a dead hummingbird pendant hangs is particularly striking, perhaps alluding to pain and superstition. This combination of personal symbolism and raw emotion in the presence of natural elements is characteristic of Kahlo’s work, reflecting a deep introspection and her complex relationship with her internal and external worlds.
