The Kiss by Edvard Munch - 1921 - 88.3 x 100.8 cm Museum of Fine Arts, Houston The Kiss by Edvard Munch - 1921 - 88.3 x 100.8 cm Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

The Kiss

Oil on canvas • 88.3 x 100.8 cm
  • Edvard Munch - 12 December 1863 - 23 January 1944 Edvard Munch 1921

We presented Edvard Munch's portrait yesterday. Let's show one of Munch's paintings today!

In connection with an exhibition of the series Frieze of Life in 1918 at Blomqvist, Norway's largest art shop and auction house in Kristiania (now Oslo), Edvard Munch wrote about the 30 years of work he had dedicated to the series in the catalog. The first painting he discussed was The Kiss. The earliest version of this motif was likely painted around 1888 or 1889. Munch was captivated by the theme and created numerous variations, each with different poses for the couple. All versions contrast the vibrant life and the timeless, frozen moment. The key element is the couple’s abstract, merged form, with their faces blending into one another. This emphasizes their unity, beautifully expressing a sense of belonging and togetherness between man and woman.

We love Edvard Munch's works and we often show them in our paper calendars. Check out our selection of paintings for DailyArt Calendars 2025! 

P.S. This was not the only time Munch portrayed an image of the kiss or lovers in general. Read about one of his mysterious masterpieces—is it a lovers' embrace or a scary vampire feeding on its prey?