The artwork “Me and My Doll” by Frida Kahlo was completed in 1937. This self-portrait is rendered in oil on metal, a medium that showcases Frida Kahlo’s distinctive style influenced by Naïve Art (Primitivism). The dimensions of the artwork are 40 x 31 cm. It currently resides in the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection in Mexico City, Mexico, representing a personal and introspective genre of art for which Kahlo is renowned.
In the artwork, Frida Kahlo is depicted seated, occupying the left side of the composition. She appears composed and reflective, with her hands gently folded in her lap. Her attire consists of a simple white blouse adorned with red detailing at the neckline, complementing the vibrant green skirt with a white hem that drapes over her seated form. A sense of candid realism is conveyed through the artist’s poised yet relaxed posture and the direct, unembellished representation of her features.
Adjacent to Kahlo, on a plain wooden bench, sits a doll, which seems to be the subject referred to in the title of the artwork. The doll has a noticeable presence, with its own chair and its gaze directed towards Kahlo, creating an engaging dynamic in the composition. The setting is minimalistic, with a nondescript background that draws focus to the central figures. An overarching sense of quiet introspection pervades the scene, typical of Kahlo’s self-portrait work, wherein she frequently explored her identity and personal experiences.
