Frida Kahlo: Realistic Reproductive Images in the Early Twentieth Century

摘要

Frida Kahlo, the iconoclastic Mexican painter, political activist, and feminist icon, is Latin America's most celebrated artist. Renowned for her Surrealist self-portraits, she is the first Western artist to include anatomically correct interpretations of reproduction within her art, including mitosis, fertilization, pregnancy, and lactation. Combining expertise in obstetrics and art history, we have analyzed the references to human reproduction within the work of Frida Kahlo.Kahlo had a remarkable knowledge of medicine, having completed premedical studies at the National Preparatory School in Mexico City. At 18 years of age she was involved in a streetcar accident. A metal handrail perforated her abdomen, exiting through her vagina; additional injuries included pelvic, vertebral, and foot fractures. Following the accident, Kahlo underwent over 30 surgeries, including several spine surgeries, amputations of her toes and, eventually, her right leg. She alludes to these surgeries in her paintings