tes Frida "was flattered to be loved by the Great Russian, fascinated by his mind and moved by his desire. Frida was delighted to have an affair with Trotsky" (Herrera p.212). Kahlo's portrait, while presenting a relatively small image, is monumentalized by the saturation of passion and emotion that she shares with Trotsky. The portrait, lacking the usual bloody and shocking imagery often seen in Kahlo's work, is not disregarding these motivations. Triumphant Frida emerges, having mesmerized Diego, Trotsky, and the world by stealing the heart of this great man and reaping the benefits the affair brought her. She presents herself as proud, dignified, confident and as always, extremely desirable and irresistible.Reserved, poised and confident, Frida demands immediate attention and respect from her audience as she stands with purpose on a hardwood stage, curtains drawn held back by thick yet elegant rope. Her peach colored skirt with elegant embroidered flowers and the saturated, deep red blouse peaking from under an astonishing golden yellow shawl which drapes over the entire costume all indicate a distinguished, colonial member of the bourgeois high society. The rich red and golden hues of her clothing are complemented and emphasized by the palate of color Frida has chosen for her background which resonates from a deep green to a golden sun-like tone. She has replaced her usual and typical exuberant and bright native dress with a more refined version of the characteristic long skirt and jewelry to decorate herself. The aristocratic Frida reinforces her intended highly distinguished image with the intricately woven red ribbon in her impetuously braided hair which is further complemented by the purple flower carefully tucked into her braid. The hair with the ribbon and flower is indicative of indigenous heritage and culture, neither which ever to be excluded or denied by Kahlo. The brazen carnality of the many self portraits th...
