Le Verrou by J. Fragonard (c. 1778), © R.M.N./D. Arnaudet

Best Interpretation: “‘La Verrou’ means ‘the bolt.’ Is he trying to lock or unlock the door? Does she want him to stay or leave? If she is trying to prevent him from locking the door, then this is a rape scene. But I think she wants him to stay. The bed is tousled, the room still warm from their passion, and she wants… more! He’s late, or he doesn’t want to be discovered by her husband, and he’s desperately trying to leave. But she… that temptress living dangerously, immune to the consequences, bars his escape. Is your verrou locked or open? Are you open to the possibilities, or simply trying to block them?”-Stuart Balcomb

Submit an Interpretation (2) Posts »

The Two Fridas © Frida Kahlo (1939)

Best Interpretation: “It’s about her love for Diego and her love for her people. The Mexican Frida is holding a small portrait of Diego, a blood vein coming out of it represents their journeys. It connects to her whole—healthy heart. Then it leaves and comes around the ‘European’ Frida’s back, this is Diego’s betrayal, it then joins up with the heart of decay. Her view of life away from Mexico; her dying body. The other vein branches off from the main vein, and comes around her arm, it is severed with scissors. The blood staining her pure dress of fertility—her inability to bear children. In all, it’s about her. Her dreams of being with Deigo, yet staying with him was causing her so much pain. She could not bear children with him. And it was with him that she left Mexico.” -Floss

Submit an Interpretation (2) Posts »