“Self-Portrait with Monkeys” is one of many paintings by the remarkable Mexican artist Frida Kahlo that includes her pet monkeys and a lush background of tropical plants. Created during Kahlo’s most prolific period in the early 1940s, this painting may portray her as a teacher at Mexico City’s School of Painting and Sculpture. Soon after accepting a position there, Kahlo’s (1907 – 1954) health declined, and she had to conduct classes at home. Eventually, the class shrank to only four students who called themselves “Los Fridos.” In this painting, Kahlo’s four monkeys may represent the four loyal students who remained in her class.

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