Who owns Frida Kahlo's My Birth?

Pop star Madonna owns this painting as part of her extensive Kahlo collection. She has said it's a litmus test for friendship and takes pride of place in her collection.

What does this painting represent?

The painting has dual autobiographical meanings. Kahlo's mother had just died, and she had just suffered a miscarriage in Detroit. The shrouded figure may represent either woman.

A retablo is a traditional Mexican votive painting derived from Catholic art, typically giving thanks to the Madonna. Kahlo subverted the form by leaving the gratitude panel intentionally blank.

When and where was this painted?

Kahlo painted this in 1932 in Detroit, Michigan, while accompanying her husband Diego Rivera. It was one of five works she created during that difficult period following her miscarriage.

Where Is My Birth? See It at Private Collection

Frida Kahlo completed this stark autobiographical work in 1932, depicting herself giving birth to herself. A shrouded figure lies on a bed while an infant emerges, watched over by an agonized Virgin of Sorrows. The painting carries dual meanings: Kahlo's mother had just died, so the covered figure may represent her; but Kahlo had also just miscarried in Detroit, so she may be the mother figure.

The work uses the retablo style, a traditional Mexican form derived from Catholic votive paintings where thanks would be given to the Madonna. Kahlo leaves the gratitude panel blank, as though unable to give thanks for either her own birth or her inability to give birth. The painting may also reference a 16th-century Aztec sculpture of the goddess Tlazolteotl giving birth.

Pop star Madonna owns this painting and has said she uses it to judge potential friends: "If somebody doesn't like this painting, then I know they can't be my friend." The work resides in her private collection and represents one of just five paintings Kahlo produced while in Detroit. Kahlo wrote in her diary that she was "the one who gave birth to herself."