Frida would always depict herself in the same manner, regardless of her particular emotions at that time. She would portray herself as serious and formidable, disguising the personal anguish which she had suffered for much of her life. The painted surround in this work provides the title of ‘The Frame’ and it is this touch which bat differentiates it from her other self-portraits.
Mexican art has long used certain items such as flowers and birds as recurring themes and these were added to the frame of this work. The bright colours suit her own typical colour palette and further help to portray an outward beauty and almost festive celebration. In the portrait, Kahlo places a single flower on her head along with a simple ribbon
