n's death in 1924 Stalin gained control of the Soviet Union. Stalin and Trotsky represented opposite directions for communism, thus Stalin disliked Trotsky leading to Leon and Natalia's nine years in exile once they were banished from the Soviet Union. Natalia and Leon Trotsky's lives were at risk because Leon had exposed Stalin's "betrayal of the Russian Revolution" (Garza p.87).In Mexico Diego had abandoned the Mexican Communist Part for the Trotskyite group, The International Communist League (Herrera p.204). Aware of Trotsky's situation Rivera was asked to help intervene and seek asylum for the Trotskys in Mexico. Diego negotiated with President Cardenas to get them political asylum. Rivera offered he and Frida would house the Trotskys as was conditioned by the agreement which additionally stated Trotsky was to stay out of Mexican Politics (Herrera p.204).After years of life on the run Natalia and Leon were greeted by Kahlo upon arrival in Mexico. Diego fell ill with recurrent kidney problems and soon after the arrival in Coyoacan, Natalia became ill from a resurgence of Malaria. With both spouses "out of the way" Leon and Frida had ample time to spend together building on their mutual fascinations. This time of sickness in both Diego and Natalia found Frida in unusually good condition. She was feeling rather healthy and physically capable to accompany Leon and help him adjust to Mexico as well as entertain him. She was delighted to have the company and obvious admiration of this revolutionary hero. He was not the type Frida typically flirted with as noted by Andre Breton, a distinguished and respected critic, when he described Leon to be, "very strict...very old fashioned" (Richmond p.103). The poised, dignified Frida in her elegant portrait lacking the usual flame of Frida seems a perfect compliment to the "Old Man."Frida's translation of the nickname to "El Viejo" is an example of the playful way she captivated Trotsk...
