This is the smallest work that Kahlo ever produced. It is only 1.5" x 1.6" and painted on wood. Kahlo painted this self-portrait for the Spanish artist José Bartolí, with whom she was romantically involved for several years and he kept it all of his life. According to Sotheby's, the dedication on the reverse side reads: "Para Bartolí con amor, Mara", (for Bartolí with love, Mara). "Mara" was Frida's code name that she and Bartoli used in their correspondence to each other.
Frida's portrait in this miniature painting is repeated in her 1946 self portrait "Tree of Hope, Remain Strong".