| The Kiss | |
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| Artist | Gustav Klimt |
| Year | 1907-1908 |
| Medium | Oil and gold leaf on canvas |
| Location | Österreichische Galerie Belvedere, Vienna, Austria |
| Dimensions | 70.9 in × 70.9 in |
| 180 cm × 180 cm | |
| Famous Paintings by Gustav Klimt | |
| The Kiss | |
| Adele Bloch-Bauer I | |
| The Three Ages of Woman | |
| Adele Bloch-Bauer II | |
| Beethoven Frieze | |
| Danaë |
The Austrian artist Gustav Klimt shared his “Golden period” to the whole world. He was able to create numerous art works that evoked love, passion and beauty. This can be seen through one of his famous artwork The Kiss (Der Kuss). This beautiful 180 cm x 180 cm oil and gold leaf canvas brought the emotion of love and symbolism to the whole world.
The History
Gustav Klimt created this beautiful piece in 1907 and he finished it in 1908. It is considered to be one of Klimt’s famous paintings in history. Klimt also explored the human relationship which brought this piece to life. This exploration was considered by many as “modern” during this time. It can be said that Klimt’s inspiration was brought on by his trip to Italy in 1903. He was inspired to use gold when he visited the Church of San Vitale. The Byzantine mosaics gave him a new perspective when it came to using the flatness and depth which brought a whole new style to the color. This was the start of his journey to using gold and silver in his paintings.
Overview
The Kiss is portrayed by a man and woman embracing and sharing a passionate kiss. The painting also shows that the couples are both dressed in gowns that are highly decorated. It can be noted that this painting showed how love should be at times. It should be intense, passionate and full of joy. In this painting, Klimt used his knowledge in gold leafing to bring life to his artwork. He used gold, browns, yellow, and greens as the primary color composition in this painting. He also used gold leafing to the background of the painting, thus bringing more depth to the couple kissing.
Klimt also used fresco, mosaic techniques and oil painting in this art work and this can be seen in the carpet of flowers. The play of swirls, spirals and phallic design was the primary composition of The Kiss. Gustav Klimt was able to bring forth the meaning of intimacy and passion in his canvas. Klimt brought to life his passion for the Byzantine mosaics in this beautiful painting. He was able to use this technique to bring a whole new emotion to love and unity. The entwined couple was a perfect symbolism of how love unifies couple into one lasting kiss. It is true that Gustav Klimt was able to show the world how he saw passion in his own eyes.
Commemorated
In 2003, this beautiful painting was commemorated by the Austrian State. It was part of a special collector’s Austrian coin depicting Klimt in his studio and The Kiss at the backside of the coin. This coin is an example of how people saw the beauty in Gustav Klimt’s artwork. He was able to touch the hearts of people all over the world. This oil in canvas painting gave other artists the inspiration to bring more emotion to their pieces and he also inspired people to fall in love with love. This is an amazing artwork that can inspire each and every single person on how they can live life to the fullest.