Portrait double Frida Kahlo (1907-1954)

The painting Portrait double features a split face, with one half appearing older and weathered, while the other is younger and smoother. The face is framed by intricate, root-like structures emerging from the neck and spreading outwards. Above the head, a crescent moon with a serene, human-like face gazes downwards, while a radiant sun with sharp rays shines to the right. In the lower part of the composition, two seashells are depicted, one larger and coiled, the other smaller and rounded. The background is a deep, rich red.
The subtexts of this painting are rich and open to interpretation. The double-faced portrait immediately suggests themes of duality, perhaps representing different stages of life, contrasting aspects of a single personality, or even the conscious and subconscious self. The root-like structures connecting the face to the surrounding elements could symbolize interconnectedness, the passage of time, growth, or even a sense of being grounded or trapped. The celestial bodies, the moon and sun, often represent opposing forces such as night and day, calm and energy, or feminine and masculine principles, further reinforcing the theme of duality in the portrait. The shells, which are remnants of life and are associated with the sea, could signify journeys, transformation, or the hidden depths of human experience. The overall composition, with its symbolic elements and striking color palette, invites contemplation on identity, the passage of time, and the complex interplay of natural and human forces.