THE WOUNDED DEER /1946/ by FRIDA KAHLOTHE

This is a self-portrait of Frida Kahlo as a wounded deer. The deer has been pierced by nine arrows, which represents pain caused physically and emotionally. The animal's head bears Kahlo's own face, set against a backdrop of a forest.

The arrows symbolize the many hardships and pain that Kahlo went through in her life. Symbolism in the composition can be traced back to her Aztec roots when considering that there are nine arrows and trees, which is a number on the Aztec calendar associated with Frida Kahlo's birthday.

Using the deer as the subject of the painting is relevant because the deer in Aztec culture symbolizes the right foot. Frida Kahlo had a severe right-sided injury when she was young due to a bus accident. Her right leg and hip were the source of constant and chronic pain

The color palette is vivid, dominated by earthy tones in the background, which draws the viewer’s eye immediately to the deer and its wounds. Kahlo used her own pet deer, Granizo, as a model, highlighting her deep emotional bond to animals and nature