Composition & Arrangement

• Frida Kahlo has painted herself in the centre of the composition, facing out, making her presence dominate the composition.
• Her vacant expression and direct eye-contact make her face the clear focal point.
• Leading lines within the thorn necklace act as a pathway drawing our eyes up to her face.
• Frida Kahlo has used symmetrical balance in the portrait, with herself placed in the middle of the composition; the hummingbird's position, her eyebrows and hair parting all divide Frida into two halves, with one black animal on each shoulder further adding to this symmetry and balance.
• Frida Kahlo has framed herself with a background of glossy leaves, which divide the foreground and background, creating depth and dimension in the painting.