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The Kiss.

By Gustav Klimt

The Kiss, a painting by the Austrian symbolist painter Gustav Klimt, is one of the world’s most recognizable and beloved works of art. Completed in 1908, the painting depicts a couple locked in an intimate embrace, surrounded by a golden aura of swirling patterns and shapes.

The Kiss - Gustav Klimt - Google Cultural Institute — The Kiss – Gustav Klimt – Google Cultural Institute. *

At the time of its creation, The Kiss was considered controversial for its erotic subject matter and unconventional style. Klimt was known for his use of gold leaf and decorative motifs inspired by Art Nouveau and Byzantine art, and The Kiss is a perfect example of his unique aesthetic.

The painting itself is pretty large, measuring 180 x 180 cm, and is painted with oil and gold leaf on canvas. The couple in the painting is thought to be Klimt himself and his partner, Emilie Flöge, although this has never been confirmed.

What is most striking about The Kiss is the intense passion and love depicted between the couple. Their bodies are entwined, their faces pressed together in a tender moment of intimacy. The gold patterns surrounding them add to the feeling of warmth and sensuality, as if they are encased in a cocoon of love.

Despite its controversial subject matter, The Kiss has become one of the most beloved paintings in the world. It has been reproduced countless times, appearing on everything from coffee mugs to tote bags. It is a testament to the enduring power of love and passion and a reminder of the beauty that can be found in human connection.

In conclusion, The Kiss by Gustav Klimt is a masterpiece of love and passion. The painting captures the intensity and tenderness of a couple locked in an embrace, surrounded by a golden aura of swirling patterns and shapes. Its long-lasting popularity is a testament to the enduring power of love and the beauty of human connection.

*Photographs courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

See Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss” in person.

The Kiss by Gustav Klimt is housed at the Österreichische Galerie Belvedere museum in Vienna, Austria. The museum is home to an extensive collection of Austrian art, including works by Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka. If you’re planning a trip to Vienna, the Belvedere is a must-visit destination for art lovers. The Kiss is one of the museum’s most popular works, so be prepared for crowds if you want to see it up close. However, the beauty and power of the painting make it well worth the wait.

Opening times and admission.