In 1946, Frida again traveled to New York for a spinal fusion. This operation has been called "the beginning of the end" for Frida. Although she consulted numerous, perhaps too numerous, doctors, her condition grew steadily worse after this operation. This self-portrait was painted while she was recovering from the operation. In it, Frida looks thin and frail yet relaxed and almost smiling. The text on the scroll at the bottom reads:
"Here I painted myself, Frida Kahlo, with my reflection in the mirror. I am 37 years old and this is July, 1947. In Coyoacan, Mexico, the place where I was born".
In this inscription she claims to be "…37 years old…" when in fact she was really 40 at the time this self-portrait was painted.
In this self-portrait Frida has greatly exaggerated her hair… perhaps to please Diego who loved her long flowing hair.
The photograph below the painting , taken the same year, may have been used as a study for this painting.
This painting was auctioned by Christie's, New York, in May of 1991. It sold for $1,650,000.
In the 2003 Miramax Film "Frida", the role of Frida was portrayed by the actress Salma Hayek. During the shooting of this film, and in her spare time, Hayek, an amateur artist, painted her own version of this Kahlo self-portrait.