Introduction by Carlos Fuentes Summary and Analysis

Author Carlos Fuentes recalls one time that he saw artist Frida Kahlo in the flesh at a concert in the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Fuentes briefly describes the building's history, whose construction began in 1905 and finished in 1934. Its interior is in the Art Deco style that was typical of the period it was built in, including walls decorated by famous Mexican muralists.

Despite all its fineries however, the presence of Kahlo in the auditorium astounds all assembled. She is a "broken Cleopatra," hiding her shriveled body and numerous physical maladies under spectacular layers of jewels and petticoats. Fuentes wonders if Kahlo is an Aztec goddess.

Fuentes establishes the historical context that Kahlo existed in. Prior to her birth in 1913, there was the great "Pax Porfiriana" or a period of of peace that lasted for thirty...