BACKGROUND: Monkey is a symbol of lust in Mexican mythology. But in this painting, Self Portrait with a Monkey, it was depicted as a creature with his own soul. The original painting was created in 1938. He is tender and gentle and puts his arm around Frida's neck. It seems the monkey wants to protect her. In this portrait, as well as in some of her other portraits she painted later, she was using a background of big curtain of leaves. With this background, the subject in the painting was pushed towards the viewer. She borrowed this style from Alfredo Ramos Martinez. This reproduction is in good condition. No Stratches - No Blemishes - Vibrant colors 10-28-84