The reason that I offered that background concerning those three events is because it helps me to explain what The Broken Column was doing socially, culturally, and politically when Frida Kahlo created it. Painted in 1944, shortly after her spinal surgery, the artwork serves as a visceral portrayal of Kahlo's enduring physical and emotional torment. The central imagery—a fractured ionic column replacing her damaged spine—symbolizes her physical instability and vulnerability. The nails piercing her body echo the constant pain she endured, while the desolate landscape reflects her feelings of isolation.

Kahlo's personal suffering is juxtaposed against the backdrop of a nation grappling with its own challenges during World War II. While Mexico was asserting its strength and solidarity on the global stage, Kahlo was confronting her individual battles with frailty and confinement. This contrast underscores the multifaceted nature of resilience—both on a personal and national level.​

Furthermore, Kahlo's choice to depict herself in a surgical brace, openly showcasing her injuries, challenges contemporary notions of beauty and strength. By confronting her pain head-on and immortalizing it on canvas, she reclaims agency over her body and narrative. This act of self-representation not only provides insight into her personal experiences but also serves as a broader commentary on human suffering and perseverance.

Frida Kahlo's Biography (Britannica):
"Frida Kahlo." Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/biography/Frida-Kahlo. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

Mexico's Role in World War II (History.com):
Chavez, Eric. "Mexico’s Surprising Role in World War II." History, A&E Television Networks, 28 May 2021, www.history.com/articles/mexico-world-war-ii-surprising-involvement. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.