Gustav Klimt - “The Kiss” 1907 - 1908
Gustav Klimt - “The Kiss” 1907 - 1908 (180 cm × 180 cm (71 in × 71 in)
“The Kiss” painted by Gustav Klimt is one of his most iconic works, it is oil on canvas littered with gold leaf, silver, and platinum. The painting is admirably one of the most sensual paintings I have ever seen. The painting depicts a man as he kisses his lover while they are covered in a beautiful sacred golden robe. First looking into Klimt’s background, he is one of the greatest decorative painters of the 20th century, while also producing one of the century's most significant bodies of erotic art. One of which being “The Kiss”. Gustav Klimt’s famous use of gold leaves and intricate patterns made him admirable and significant in the artist community. Starting as a middle-class man he was able to work his way up being well respected in society because of his famous and unique paintings. At its core, the kiss depicts a loving embrace between two lovers. The action of kissing communicates a deeper sensation of connection, intimacy and passion. The act of kissing can be understood as a symbol of both physical and emotional closeness in a relationship. The most distinctive part of “The Kiss” is the golden tone of the painting, the gold leaf is able to elevate the piece from a mortal feeling to a divine level. The painting depicts love at its absolute core, love in this painting is not depicted as a sensual pleasurable act, instead it is shown as a divine action, an action that is spiritual and perfect.
The painting also steps foot into gender roles and sexualities, the man in the painting is dominant, he is holding his lover’s head with power. The man keeps his gaze firmly on the women with true love and admiration. His posture also indicates a sense of power and assertiveness, his figure/head is also placed higher than the woman's; this shows that he is dominant in the relationship. The woman on the other hand has her eyes closed receiving the kiss and embracing in their intimacy the woman is draped in a flowing golden robe which could symbolize her surrender and acceptance to the man at a moment of love. The couple is intertwined and together as if they are one figure. This shows the trust two people have to develop in a mutual connection of love. The golden robe is wrapped around the two figures and appears to be erotic yet peaceful, The scene is private yet depicted with such divinity.
The different patterns on the woman and man’s sides are also symbolic. The flowers may allude to beauty, nature, and fertility, the source of nature’s life is present in the female’s body. The golden geometric patterns on the man’s side are often read as symbolic of the connection between the spiritual and material world. The show circular and square shapes alluding to the harmony between opposites in the world (female and male). One more aspect that many miss or wonder when viewing this painting is that the piece is likely inspired by byzantine mosaics. The painting is truly remarkable. On a personal aspect the depiction of love is one that many desire, an unconditional connection of love, trust, and affection. The divinity a person may have to reach mentally to achieve that level of love is unlimited. The flowers under the couple ground them, and show they are mortals but they could still achieve a form of divine love through their trust for each other. Gustav Klmit’s are still inspire me to this day, how does this work change your view on love and trust for one another?
Gustav Klimt - “The Kiss” 1907 - 1908 (180 cm × 180 cm (71 in × 71 in)
