The Kiss (Der Kuss in German; originally exhibited as Liebespaarnote ) is an oil and gold leaf painting by Austrian symbolist painter Gustav Klimt. Painted in 1907 and 1908, it's associated with the Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, and the Vienna Secession art movements.
The painting depicts two lovers wearing patterned gold robes in a passionate embrace. The man bends down to kiss the woman, whose face is serene and upturned to receive it. They are in a field of flowers against a flat gold background. Klimt, who liked depicting love and intimacy in his work, was inspired by several older media, such as illuminated manuscripts and Byzantine murals, for the usage of gold and flatness of the painting.
It currently hangs in the Belvedere in Vienna.
Not to be confused with Hayez's equally named painting.
Tropes in this painting:
- Anywhere but Their Lips: The man is kissing the woman's cheek. Her facial expression makes it clear this is no less intimate than a kiss on the mouth.
- The Big Damn Kiss: The painting is appropriately titled The Kiss and shows a tender and loving kiss and embrace.
- Earthy Barefoot Character: The woman is notably barefoot while standing in the flower field.
- Flowers of Femininity: The man in is wearing a crown of leaves, while the woman is wearing flowers in her hair.
- Masculine Lines, Feminine Curves: The man's body is blocky and he is drawn with rectangles filling his body, while the woman is curvaceous and drawn with circles filling her body.
- Holding Hands: Another sign of the tenderness and intimacy of the lovers is that the woman is grasping the man's hand while he touches her face.
- Redheads Are Ravishing: The notably redheaded woman is the object of beauty and desire in the painting.
