HAPPY PORTRAIT MONDAY

Self-Portrait in a Velvet Dress

oil on canvas

Frida Khalo

1926

This is another favourite portrait selection courtesy of Winsor Gallery's Belinda Siu. 

Here are some of Belinda's thoughts on this work and why for her, it is such an fascinating portrait:

It is interesting to see this portrait painted early in her life which marks a clear distinction between her later portraits of deep ties to her Mexican lineage, feelings regarding her inability to have children and theme of surgery.  In this portrait, she is young and poised, and we are reminded of her Hungarian-German roots by the European styled velvet dress.  At this point in her life, Frida Kahlo is 19 years old and has suffered a horrific accident while riding a bus the year before.  Interestingly, she has chosen to depict herself as the young woman who is untouched and unscathed by the accident.  She is highlighted by the dark and gloomy background,  cautiously and carefully observing us.  The dark and temperamental background hints to us that there is much pain and suffering beneath the surface.  

To read more on Khalo's Live visit Arty Factory's Frida Khalo Page.