The Kiss, Gustav Klimt


  No physical distancing in our painting for this week.  Artist Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) gives us his oil painting titled, The Kiss.  It was created from 1917-1918, measures 70.8 x 70.8 inches, so is very large and a perfect square.  It is in the collection of the Osterreichische Galerie Belvedere museum housed in the Belevedere palace, Vienna, Austria. 
  This is an exceptional painting by an interesting artist.  Gustav Klimt was an Austrian Symbolist which means he rejected realism and impressionism for creating mood through color, line and form. He was also influenced by Art Nouveau and Japanese prints.  When working on a painting, he would often create the costume his models would wear when they posed, which we see here.
  So what have we?  A square format with the subjects directly in the middle.  Of all of the paintings in the world, that I would love to see in person, this one is at the top of the list.  Our attention is drawn to the heads of the couple engrossed in his kiss to her, but then where do we look?  The whole format is covered with amazing design:  the costumes, the background and the flower base supporting the figures.  How bright and glorious this work must be.  Please pull all corners up and closely examine the detail.
  Of course what is important is the sentiment - the fusion of two loving people, and her curled toes, fingers and beautiful face display how she enjoys this moment.
   There are several works of art titled, The Kiss.  August Rodin did a famous bronze sculpture with this title, but for me, it is the Klimt kiss that warms my heart as I hope it does yours.
  Make Art a part of your life, it's a beautiful thing to do.

Comments

  1. charguthMarch 31, 2020 at 9:18 AM

    My first thought was that this looked awkward, but when I noticed their gentle caressing hands, I realized it was a very tender moment shared by two people in love. Everything looks sparkly, even the speckled background framing the couple. An unusual composition; what are they standing in/on; a flower garden? She seems to have a tall body so he must be leaning over a lot. Such stunning fabric/clothing. Beads on her ankles?? (This was a question on Jeopardy recently. And I knew the answer, from our great WAC lessons!!!)

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