The artwork entitled “Still Life,” created by the esteemed artist Frida Kahlo in 1951, is an oil painting executed on masonite. It encompasses the dimensions of 28.2 x 36 cm. Rooted in the Naïve Art movement, specifically Primitivism, this still life is part of the Samuel Fastlicht Collection, located in Mexico City, Mexico. As a still life, it presents the viewer with a composition of inanimate objects, which in this case includes a juxtaposition of fruits and a curious inclusion of a creature, thereby enriching the visual narrative with a layer of complexity not always prevalent in such genres.
The artwork showcases a vibrant assortment of fruits such as watermelon slices, whole lemons, a banana, and other tropical fruits, thoughtfully arranged on a surface. The colors are vivid and the painting style exhibits a charming simplicity characteristic of Naïve or Primitive art. Particularly intriguing is the insertion of an animal figure among the fruits – a black dog with piercing eyes, which gazes directly out at the viewer, creating an arresting focal point and blurring the conventional boundaries of the still life genre. This creature’s presence introduces a living element that contrasts with the otherwise inanimate subjects of the composition. Above the scene, text is included, indicating the artist’s signature and the year of completion, as well as acknowledging the ownership of Samuel Fastlicht. The backdrop is rendered in deep blue, providing a cool counterbalance to the warmth of the fruits, which further enhances the visual allure of the composition. Despite its simplicity, the painting invites contemplation on its unique blend of elements and the artist’s potential intent behind their assemblage.
