The Kiss (Klimt)

The Kiss - Gustav Klimt - Google Cultural Institute

The Kiss (Lovers) is a renowned painting by the Austrian Symbolist painter Gustav Klimt. Painted between 1907 and 1908, the highpoint of Klimt's "Golden Phase", it depicts a couple embracing, their bodies entwined in elaborate robes decorated in a style influenced by both linear constructs of the contemporary Art Nouveau style and the organic forms of the earlier Arts and Crafts movement. The work is composed of oil paint with applied layers of gold leaf, an aspect that gives it its strikingly modern, yet evocative appearance. The painting is now housed in the Österreichische Galerie Belvedere museum, in Vienna, Austria, and is heralded as one of Klimt's greatest achievements.

Description

The Kiss measures 180 cm × 180 cm, a square canvas that is emblematic of Klimt's departure from the traditional rectangular formats. The painting portrays a couple locked in an intimate embrace against a gold, flat background. The man is depicted bending down to kiss the woman on the cheek, who in turn, closes her eyes, receiving the kiss with a serene expression. The figures are adorned in highly decorative robes; the man's garment is adorned with geometric shapes, while the woman's flowery patterned dress complements the floral motif in the background, creating a harmonious blend of the human form with the surrounding nature.

Themes and Interpretations

The Kiss is often interpreted as a representation of love and intimacy, but it also reflects the fin-de-siècle Vienna's fascination with eroticism and the exploration of sexual themes. The use of gold leaf not only adds a divine quality to the image but also references Byzantine religious art, suggesting a sacred or transcendental dimension to the love depicted. Klimt's work is known for its exploration of female sexuality and the complex interplay between the sexes, themes that are vividly portrayed in this masterpiece.

Historical Context

During the time Klimt painted The Kiss, Vienna was a vibrant center of intellectual and artistic activity. The city was home to Sigmund Freud, whose theories on sexuality and the subconscious were revolutionary. Klimt, along with his contemporaries in the Vienna Secession, sought to break away from traditional academic art and embraced a more modern, expressive approach. The Kiss, with its innovative use of gold leaf and its bold departure from realistic depiction, was a manifestation of this artistic rebellion.

Reception and Legacy

Upon its completion, The Kiss was immediately purchased by the Austrian government and became a highlight of the Belvedere's collection. Over the years, it has become an iconic symbol of love and art nouveau, influencing countless artists and becoming one of the most beloved and recognized works of art in the world. Its popularity is such that it has been reproduced on various merchandise, from posters to mugs, making it not just a masterpiece of art history but also a part of popular culture.

See Also

• Gustav Klimt
• Art Nouveau
• Vienna Secession
• Österreichische Galerie Belvedere