The Kiss

The Kiss, probably the most popular work by Gustav Klimt, was first exhibited in Vienna in 1908 at the Kunstschau art exhibition on the site of today’s Konzerthaus. The Ministry then bought it for the sum of 25,000 Kronen and thus secured for the state one of the icons of Viennese Jugendstil and indeed of European modern art.

The Kiss undoubtedly represents the culmination of the Golden Epoch phase in Klimt's art. In this decade, the artist created a puzzling, ornamental encoded program that revolved around the mystery of existence, love, and fulfilment through art. Klimt gained initial inspiration for this in 1903 on a journey to Ravenna to see the Byzantine mosaics. In addition, the painting contains a myriad of motifs from various cultural epochs, above all from Ancient Egyptian mythology. Most recent research has, however, revealed that it is not enough to read the ornaments in the picture just as symbols rooted in tradition aiming to convey a timelessly valid message. They reveal more, such as references to Klimt’s love for Emilie Flöge and the artist’s exploration of the sculptor Auguste Rodin’s art.

It is no coincidence that Klimt's work is often linked to that of his Viennese compatriot, and near-contemporary, Sigmund Freud. When Klimt died in 1918, at the premature age of 55, several unfinished works of a strikingly sexual nature were found in his studio, as if revealing the erotic undercurrent latent beneath much of his earlier work.

Happy Valentine's Day! Don't forget to share this amazing painting on your social media accounts and with your loved ones.  : )

P.S. Another famous painting called The Kiss was painted by Francesco Hayez. Check his bold erotic drawings here (18+).