The Kiss

Gustave Klimt

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Keywords: Kiss

Work Overview

The Kiss (Lovers)
Gustav Klimt
oil and gold leaf on canvas
1907–1908
180 cm × 180 cm
Österreichische Galerie Belvedere, Vienna


The Kiss (Lovers) was painted by the Austrian Symbolist painter Gustav Klimt between 1907 and 1908, the highpoint of his "Golden Period", when he painted a number of works in a similar gilded style. A perfect square, the canvas 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 in the Österreichische Galerie Belvedere museum in the Belvedere palace, Vienna, and is widely considered a masterpiece of the early modern period. It is a symbol of Vienna Jugendstil—Viennese Art Nouveau—and is considered Klimt's most popular work.


It was painted soon after his three-part Vienna Ceiling series which created a scandal and were criticized as both 'pornography' and evidence of 'perverted excess'. The works had recast the artist as an enfant terrible for his anti-authoritarian and anti-popularist views on art. He wrote, "If you can not please everyone with your deeds and your art, please a few".[3] By contrast, The Kiss was enthusiastically received, and immediately found a buyer.


Klimt depicts the couple locked in intimacy, while the rest of the painting dissolves into shimmering, extravagant flat pattern. The patterning suggests the style of Art Nouveau and the organic forms of the Arts and Crafts movement. At the same time the background evokes the conflict between two- and three-dimensionality intrinsic to the work of Degas and other modernists. Paintings such as The Kiss were visual manifestations of fin-de-siecle spirit because they capture a decadence conveyed by opulent and sensuous images. The use of gold leaf recalls medieval "gold-ground" paintings and illuminated manuscripts, and earlier mosaics, and the spiral patterns in the clothes recall Bronze Age art and the decorative tendrils seen in Western art since before classical times. The man's head ends very close to the top of the canvas, a departure from traditional Western canons that reflects the influence of Japanese prints, as does the very simplified composition. The two figures are situated at the edge of a patch of flowery meadow. The man wears a robe with black and white rectangles irregularly placed on gold leaf decorated with spirals. He wears a crown of vines while the woman is shown in a tight-fitting dress with flower-like round or oval motifs on a background of parallel wavy lines. Her hair is sprinkled with flowers and is worn in a fashionable upsweep; it forms a halo-like circle that highlights her face, and is continued under her chin by what seems to be a necklace of flowers. Similarly juxtaposed couples appear in both Klimt’s Beethoven Frieze and Stoclet Frieze.


It is thought that Klimt and his companion Emilie Flöge modeled for the work.[5] but there is no evidence or record to prove this. Others suggest the female was the model known as 'Red Hilda'; she bears strong resemblance to the model in his Woman with feather boa, Goldfish and Danaë. Klimt's use of gold was inspired by a trip he had made to Italy in 1903. When he visited Ravenna he saw the Byzantine mosaics in the Church of San Vitale. For Klimt the flatness of the mosaics and their lack of perspective and depth only enhanced their golden brilliance, and he started to make unprecedented use of gold and silver leaf in his own work.[6]


It has also been argued that in this picture Klimt represented the moment Apollo kisses Daphne, following the metamorphosis of Ovid narrative.


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Before creating this piece, Klimt had received scathing scorn in the first decade of the 20th century for his three-part University of Vienna Ceiling Paintings. Because of the nudity in these works, his interpretation of Philosophy, Medicine and Jurisprudence were derided as "pornography" and "perverted excess," wounding his reputation. 


In 1907, perhaps reeling from the poor reception of the Vienna Ceiling Paintings, Klimt was sketching furiously, but he doubted his work. He confessed in a letter, "Either I am too old, or too nervous, or too stupid—there must be something wrong." But before long, he would begin the painting that would be his most popular.


In 1908, the Austrian Gallery displayed The Kiss for the first time, even though Klimt hadn't yet put the finishing touches on the work. Its unfinished state didn't stop the Belvedere Museum (a.k.a. The Österreichische Galerie Belvedere) from adding it to their collection on the spot. 


How do you buy a work of art that hasn’t even been finished yet? You make an offer that can’t be refused. To acquire this transcendent piece of art, the Belvedere paid 25,000 crowns (or about $240,000 today). Prior to this mammoth sale, the highest price paid for a painting in Austria was a relatively paltry 500 crowns. 


Austria considers The Kiss a national treasure, and so the Viennese museum that has long been its home would never dream of selling it. However, if such a transaction were to happen, it's predicted The Kiss would break sales records again. After all, Klimt's less renowned (though still quite famous) Adele Bloch-Bauer I sold for $135 million in 2006. The New York Times noted at that time this was "the highest sum ever paid for a painting." 


The pose of the lovers depicted in The Kiss reflects the natural forms favored in the Vienna Art Nouveau (of Vienna Jugendstil) movement. But the simple forms with the bold patterns of the pair's cloaks shows the impact of the Arts and Crafts movement, while the use of spirals harkens back to Bronze Age art. 


Inspired by the Byzantine mosaics he'd seen on his travels, Klimt mingled gold leaf into his oil paints to create what would become his signature style. 


The painter’s works mostly focused on women, so the inclusion of a man—albeit one whose face is obscured—was unusual for Klimt. The figures' modest dress also marks this painting as one of Klimt's more conservative creations.  


Some art historians have theorized that the lovers seen lip-locked here are none other than the Austrian painter and his long-time partner, fashion designer Emilie Flöge, who he had previously depicted in a portrait. 


Others have posited that The Kiss's lovely lady was actually salon hostess and society woman Adele Bloch-Bauer, who had posed for a Golden Period portrait that same year. Still others have suggested the red hair is a clue that this is 'Red Hilda,' the model Klimt employed for Danae, Lady with Hat and Feather Boa, and Goldfish. 


The Kiss measures 180 centimeters by 180 centimeters, nearly a 6-foot square. 


While Klimt's original composition is a perfect square, the popularity of the painting spurred countless reproductions on posters, postcards and various mementos. But these souvenirs regularly truncate the right and left sides of the painting to make for a more standard rectangle display.


Klimt's use of gold calls back to the kinds of religious art found in churches. Using gold leaf here to celebrate the earthly pleasures and sensuality of sexuality was considered by some profane. 


In 2003, Austria released a commemorative 100 Euro coin that had a etching of The Kiss on one side, and a portrait of Klimt at work in his studio on the other. 


Maybe it's the grand scale. Maybe it's the gold. But when re-assessing The Kiss for Klimt’s 150th birthday, journalist Adrian Brijbassi wrote, "The Kiss by Gustav Klimt surpasses expectations," unlike that tiny and underwhelming Mona Lisa. 


After throwing shade on the more famous painting, Brijbassi explained, "[The Kiss] does what a great piece of art is supposed to do: Hold your gaze, make you admire its aesthetic qualities while trying to discern what’s beyond its superficial aspects."


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In 1907 Gustav Klimt began work on The Kiss, the most famous work of his entire oeuvre, as well as the culmination of the European Jugendstil movement.
For Gustav Klimt, it was normal to work in his studio from early morning until evening without a break, and the year 1907 was no exception. Before long, countless sketches covered the floor. But Klimt complained repeatedly about the difficulties of his work. He wrote in a letter: "Either I am too old, or too nervous, or too stupid - there must be something wrong." Nevertheless, this year was to be one of the most productive of his life. Klimt completed, among other works, the Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I and Hope II, but most importantly he began work on the painting The Kiss, which was to take its place as one of the most famous pictures in the history of art.


The theme of a pair of lovers, united through a kiss, was one that occupied Klimt throughout his career. Variations on this theme can be found early on in his works. Klimt's Beethoven Frieze (1902), reflecting his increased emphasis on ornamentation and the use of gold leaf, represented an important artistic precursor to his most famous painting. The inspiration for his "Golden Phase", which culminated with The Kiss, was presumably provided by a visit to Ravenna during his travels through Italy in 1903, which introduced him to the world of Byzantine mosaics. But Klimt was also influenced by contemporary painters: the abstract, decorative style of the Dutch Symbolist Jan Theodor must be mentioned here, as well as the Belgian Symbolist painter Fernand Khnopff.


There have been numerous attempts to identify the woman portrayed in The Kiss. Those mentioned have included Klimt's life-long partner Emilie Flöge, but also Adele Bloch-Bauer. The subject's well-proportioned facial features reveal a similarity to many of the women that Klimt portrayed, but ultimately they cannot be unequivocally attributed to a particular person.


In the painting a couple is depicted embracing in a field of flowers. The man is bent over the woman, and she - clinging tightly to him - awaits his kiss. In terms of ornamentation, the male figure is characterized by square and rectangular forms, while in the case of the female soft lines and floral patterns are dominant. A golden halo surrounds the couple, but it ends at the bare feet of the female, whose toes are sharply bent and firmly dug into the flower-covered meadow. At the same time, however, the couple seems to have shaken off this last remnant of earthly weight and has been transported into another infinite, almost sacred sphere, reminiscent indeed of the gold background of Byzantine mosaics.


When Klimt presented the painting to the public for the first time, in 1908, it was acquired - still unfinished - directly from the exhibition by the Austrian Gallery. This painting represents the centrepiece of the world's largest collection of works by Gustav Klimt, located in the Austrian Gallery in Vienna's Upper Belvedere Palace.


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Austrian artist Gustav Klimt is known for his ethereal, pattern-rich portraits. Today, several of these canvases are considered masterpieces, though This Kiss, a particularly exquisite piece, seems to float above the rest.


Featuring shimmering gold tones, stylized forms, and sentimental iconography, The Kiss has enchanted audiences since its completion in 1908. Today, the awe-inspiring piece is housed in Vienna's esteemed Österreichische Galerie Belvedere, though its illustrious legacy transcends Klimt's Austrian roots.


As a member of the Secessionist Movement and a pioneer of Symbolism—a European genre of art characterized by mystical motifs, a personal approach to the visual arts, and an aesthetic similar to the contemporaneous Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts movements—Gustav Klimt often took an avant-garde approach to painting. His distinctive style is particularly apparent in The Kiss, which was painted during his luminous “Golden Period.”


Works produced during this time feature pronounced planes and delicate detailing made of gold leaf. Inspired by Byzantine mosaics, this gilding gives each piece a glimmering appearance that accentuates the ethereal nature of Klimt's subject matter and style. In addition to The Kiss, Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I (1907), Judith and the Head of Holofernes (1901), and Water Serpents I (1904) convey this glimmering aesthetic.


The Kiss depicts an embracing couple kneeling in a grassy patch of wildflowers. Clad in a geometrically-printed robe and with a crown of vines on his head, the man cradles the woman's face as he leans in to kiss her. The female figure—whose colorful, organically patterned dress contrasts her partner's garment—wears flowers in her hair. As she wraps her arms around her partner's neck, her eyes are peacefully closed, emphasizing the tranquility and intimacy of the scene.


Klimt often explored this theme of love in his work. In The Tree of Life, a mosaic from his Stoclet Frieze series, two figures that bear striking resemblance to those featured in The Kiss—both compositionally and aesthetically—are shown in a similar intimate embrace.


This amorous focus is also evident in Love, an early piece painted in 1895. While, stylistically, this work has little in common with Klimt's more well-known paintings, its romantic subject matter conveys his interest in exploring and capturing love.”Whoever wants to know something about me,” he said, “should look attentively at my pictures and there seek to recognize what I am and what I want.”


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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.


The Kiss: This painting with an erotic-symbolist theme shows two lovers embracing on the edge of a meadow. Their bodies are entwined in ornate clothes influenced by the contemporary Art Nouveau style and the earlier Arts and Crafts movement. The union of oil paint and gold leaf layers offers a contemporary and striking look.