Frida Kahlo's "Suicide Of Dorothy Hale": The Shocking Painting

Ms. Myrtie Lindgren 21 May 2025

What secrets lie hidden within the brushstrokes of a painting, capable of immortalizing a tragedy and captivating audiences for generations? The story of Dorothy Hale, a Ziegfeld showgirl who met a tragic end in New York City, is forever etched in the annals of art history, thanks to the haunting masterpiece crafted by Frida Kahlo.

The tale begins with Dorothy Hale, an American actress and former Ziegfeld showgirl, a woman who, despite her beauty and connections, struggled to find lasting happiness and success. Her life, once filled with promise, took a devastating turn after the death of her husband in a car accident. This tragedy was followed by a series of unsuccessful relationships, and her career began to falter, leaving her in severe financial trouble. Dependent on the generosity of her wealthy friends, Hale found herself facing a grim reality.

Category	Information
Full Name	Dorothy Donovan Hale
Birth Date	January 11, 1905
Death Date	October 21, 1938
Nationality	American
Occupation	Actress, Ziegfeld Showgirl
Marital Status	Widowed
Cause of Death	Suicide by jumping from a building
Location of Suicide	New York City
Known For	Subject of Frida Kahlo's painting "The Suicide of Dorothy Hale"
Husband	Garth Hale (deceased)
Financial State	Depended on wealthy friends
Reference	Phoenix Art Museum

On October 21, 1938, Dorothy Hale, her dreams seemingly shattered, made a desperate choice. She ended her life by leaping from a high window of her New York apartment building, a tragic act that would later be immortalized in a painting by the renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. This act was not just a personal tragedy but a defining moment that resonated through the world of art.

The painting, titled "The Suicide of Dorothy Hale," completed in 1938, is a powerful testament to Kahlo's unique artistic vision and her willingness to confront difficult subjects. The artwork, executed in oil on masonite, departs from the traditional romanticized depiction of suicide. Instead, it provides a stark, unflinching portrayal of the actual death sequence. The painting depicts Hale in each stage of her final moments, including her lifeless body on the sidewalk, surrounded by blood. The painting is characterized by its use of Nave art (primitivism) style. The dimensions of the original painting are 23 x 19 in (60.4 x 48.6 cm) and is currently located at the Phoenix Art Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.

The painting's commissioner, Clare Boothe Luce, a prominent socialite and friend of Hale, initially wanted the painting destroyed, perhaps overwhelmed by its raw and graphic nature. However, instead of destruction, sections of the canvas were painted over, and the artwork was placed in storage for several decades before being anonymously donated to the Phoenix Art Museum. This history adds another layer of intrigue to the piece, highlighting the complex emotions surrounding Hale's death and the challenges of representing such a sensitive topic through art.

Frida Kahlo's artistic genius in portraying the suicide of Dorothy Hale, which is arguably one of her most captivating paintings, is one of the most talked about pieces of art ever created. It demonstrates Kahlo's ability to delve into the depths of human suffering and translate it onto the canvas. The vivid imagery and symbolism used in the painting draw the viewer into a world of sorrow and despair, forcing them to confront the raw realities of human existence. The painting is not just a depiction of a tragic event but a deeply personal exploration of loss, pain, and the fragility of life.

The circumstances surrounding the creation of the painting are as fascinating as the artwork itself. The meeting between Clare Boothe Luce and Frida Kahlo, fueled by their shared grief and connection to Dorothy Hale, gave rise to one of Kahlo's most controversial pieces. Kahlo was able to capture the essence of Dorothy Hale, not as a romanticized figure, but as a woman who had endured a difficult life that culminated in a moment of despair.

The impact of "The Suicide of Dorothy Hale" extends beyond its artistic merits. The painting has become a symbol of the pain and suffering that can plague the human experience. It has sparked discussions about mental health, social expectations, and the pressure faced by those living in the public eye. The artwork's ability to provoke such a strong emotional response is a testament to Kahlo's skill as an artist and the enduring power of her art to connect with audiences on a profound level.

Myra Bairstow, a prominent art scholar, curator, and writer, has delved deeply into the story behind "The Suicide of Dorothy Hale." Her research has shed light on the painting's context, its symbolism, and its impact on the art world. In her work, Bairstow explores the historical and cultural factors that contributed to Hale's suicide and how Kahlo used her artistic skills to convey the complexities of the human experience. The painting is not just a representation of a single event but a reflection of the social and emotional landscape of the time. The use of an angel in the painting and removing the banner from the painting is another area of interest from the viewers. According to her, Kahlo has tried to depict the element of compassion and forgiveness in the painting.

The paintings detailed depiction of the events of the fateful day is a testament to Kahlo's commitment to realism. Oil on wood panel, with its rich and complex detail, the painting captures the raw emotion of the event. It showcases the black velvet gown, the beautiful hairstyle and the enormous corsage of pale yellow roses, providing a poignant contrast to the tragic scene. The woman, ready to jump from the window, is a symbol of the end.

The enduring legacy of "The Suicide of Dorothy Hale" lies in its ability to confront viewers with the harsh realities of life and death. The painting remains as a memorial to Dorothy Hale's suicide. It's a reminder of the struggles faced by those who seek solace in the face of despair. The painting is a constant reminder of the fragility of the human condition and the power of art to capture the complexities of human experience. The painting stands as a testament to Frida Kahlo's talent as an artist and her ability to create works that continue to resonate with audiences today.

As an art curator, the pop culture fame of Frida Kahlo is always the center of attraction in the field of art. The curiosity of the art curator with "The Suicide of Dorothy Hale" is not new, as the history of the painting is known and the questions around the reasons for the creation of the painting are being asked. The painting is not just a piece of art but a story that is now being read by the world of art.

The famous works of Frida Kahlo also include: