Frida Kahlo: Self Portrait in a Velvet Dress

Revival Art - Welcome to Revival Art. Web. 17 Sept. 2009. http://www.revival-art.com/?cPath=77&products_id=kahlo-spinavd&tpid=2140.

Frida Kahlo led a somewhat turbulent life. When she was young she was seriously injured and it affected her all her life. At times she led a promiscuous lifestyle, sometimes with women. Her life experiences were always reflected in her works, especially when it was a self-portrait. In this painting Kahlo uses all dark colors in the background and to dress herself. The background contains dark blue swirls or waves directly behind Kahlo's head. Kahlo's own skin is the lightest portion of the painting. The neck and torso are elongated. Her face seems emotionless but looking at the eyes that is obviously not true. Their is much detail to the face besides the eyes. Her dark, large eyebrows are frames for the mysterious eyes. She has painted color in her cheeks and and her lips are small and pert. Kahlo's arm hugs her body closely. The hand seems to be gripping the arm.

This painting was created by Kahlo for her college lover, Alejandro Gomez Arias who had recently left her. It seems this painting is a plea and an invitation all in one. Unlike most of her other self-portraits this one seems a bit more narcissistic than the others. She has elongated her neck and torso which creates a look of pride and confidence. The long neck leads up to the pretty angular face. Normally Kahlo does not paint herself in a such a "pretty" way. Her eyes are dark and almond shaped, seeming to beckon to Alejandro. They are framed by the large eyebrows, which are generally considered unfeminine however she does not edit them. Her face and body have a seductive appeal to them which also is most likely meant to regain Alejandro's attention. Her breasts are slightly visible through her dress which suggests Kahlo's sexuality.

One thing does throw off the seductive appeal of the portrait. Her arm wrapped around her body. This is a sign of insecurity and perhaps it is meant to show Kahlo's feelings of loneliness with out Alejandro. Her arm seems to hold her together. The background of the portrait suggests the turmoil she feels with out Alejandro, as do the dark colors which suggest depression. Kahlo's light skin stands out like a beacon against this background, making her the umistakable focal point of the portrait.