Frida Kahlo’s painting “The Love Embrace of the Universe, The Earth (Mexico), Me, And Senor Xolotl” was finished in 1949. However, Frida first drew a primitive sketch of it in her diary all the way back in August of 1947. This painting is widely considered to be one of the most enigmatic works Frida ever created, as it expresses her feelings about love and life and death.
This painting has various elements from Mexican mythology and culture. For example, it features an Aztec fire god named Xolotl depicted with a skeletal form that reflects on the delicacy of death. Meanwhile, Frida is painted with a Tehuana-style dress which was usually worn by upper-class women in southern Mexico. All these elements indicate that this painting has more than one symbolic layer to it; Frida is trying to convey many different messages regarding the feminine roles expected of her in society at the time.
The symbolism and meaning behind Kahlo’s artwork can provide us with valuable insight into her life and artistry. Likewise, her 1946 painting “The Little Deer” features a somewhat similar theme: It conveys themes such as beauty, femininity and nature through its imagery. The paintings also come together to form an intricate visual narrative that we can study for deeper meaning about art and life itself.
