Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss” is a masterpiece of the Art Nouveau and Symbolists styles, and is renowned for its opulent use of gold leaf and its sensual depiction of a couple entwined in an embrace. Sometimes judged as ‘just a romantic painting’, this work, and the artist who painted it are a bit more complicated than that. (insert)So let’s explore one of the most celebrated and iconic depictions of love ever created.
Who was Klimt?
Gustav Klimt, a revolutionary artist in late 19th-century Vienna, was a private individual who preferred to let his art speak for itself. “If you want to know about me, look at my art,” he famously stated.
While his personal life remains somewhat enigmatic, we know he came from a close-knit family of seven children. He lived throughout his life with his mother and two unmarried sisters. Despite this familial closeness, Klimt was renowned for his numerous affairs, fathering an estimated 14 children with as many women. However, it appears these relationships lacked true intimacy or emotional depth.
Sexuality is a prominent theme in Klimt’s artwork, yet he seemingly struggled to form genuine romantic connections.
His father, a goldsmith, significantly influenced his artistic path. Klimt, along with his three artistically gifted brothers, trained at a craft school. Subsequently, he and his younger brother established a successful business as mural painters
Mural Painter
During Klimt’s time, mural painters were considered craftsmen, not artists. This societal view deeply bothered him, and he spent his life challenging this notion. He believed strongly that decorative arts were just as valid and expressive as traditional fine art. Klimt’s fight against the snobbery of the “craftsman” label was crucial in elevating the status of decorative arts and recognizing the artistic genius that existed within them.
These paintings, often depicting Greek and Roman myths, demonstrate his technical skill. His expressive portraiture captures the nuances of female faces, which became the hallmark of his later works. Additionally, we can see the seeds of his later, “Golden Period” in the use of intricate patterns and decorative flourishes.
Sadly, the sudden death of his father, brother, and colleague in the same year caused his art to take a dark turn. Klimt struggled with depression and he grew terrified of mental illness. In an interesting side note, Freud was also working in Vienna at this time, while I’m unaware of them meeting, the interest in psychology and Freud’s theories on sexuality were challenging conventional thought on many levels.
During this difficult time we see Klimt’s allegories and use of symbols take a dark, even disturbing turn. Perhaps most notably in his University paintings. These works were lost in a fire, but created outrage and protest when they were revealed.
Vienna Secession
Frustrated with the established Viennese art scene, Klimt and 39 other artists decided to set up a new institution which they named the Vienna Secession. They wanted to pursue a more modern approach, free to experiment with new visual ideas and break down the divide between art and craft. The Secession had a profound impact on Viennese art and design, influencing architecture, graphic design, and the decorative arts. They designed their own space, the Secession Building, which became a symbol of the movement and housed their exhibits.
Klimt’s Clothing
I think, intriguingly, Klimt’s clothing choices give us a glimpse into the man. He was not interested in fitting in and pushed back on social expectations at every turn. While the fashion of his day was tailored, fitted suits , Klimt routinely wore a a long tunic, with nothing underneath. Most photographs we have of Klimt are in his accustomed attire, the shoulders decorated with his signature swirl patterns.
The clothing choices were more than a personal choice. He chooses to paint many of his most famous figures, like the ones in The Kiss, in flowing robes. This was considered scandalous and highly sexual at the time, despite the fact that the figures in that work are completely covered. Given the fashion of his day, with multiple layers, corsets, and strict guidelines, the loose flowing robes suggested nudity underneath and a sensual freedom that was frowned upon.
Influences and Inspiration
Ravenna and the Church of San Vitale
Klimt drew inspiration from diverse sources. A pivotal moment came during his visit to Ravenna, where he was captivated by the Byzantine mosaics in the Church of San Vitale. The mosaics, with their striking flatness and lack of perspective, profoundly influenced Klimt. He was particularly mesmerized by their golden brilliance, a quality that soon permeated his own work. Although familiar with gold through his father’s gold engraving profession, the sight of these mosaics elevated gold to a central element in his artistic expression.
Japonisme
Gustav Klimt, along with many other artists of his time, was significantly influenced by Japanese art, a movement known as Japonisme. This influence is evident in “The Kiss,” where we see simplified forms, strong outlines, and a focus on decorative elements characteristic of Japanese prints. The close cropping of the man’s head toward the top of the picture fame, a technique common in Japanese art, creates an intimate and focused composition. Furthermore, the abundant use of gold leaf and intricate patterns throughout the painting echoes the rich surface decoration found in many Japanese art forms.
This influence of Japanese art extended to other prominent artists as well. Monet, for example, was captivated by the innovative use of color and light in Japanese prints, while Van Gogh was drawn to their expressive brushwork and bold outlines. Japonisme played a crucial role in late 19th-century art, introducing new perspectives on composition, color, and subject matter that enriched Western art with fresh ideas and inspiration.
Munch and Rodin
Two works that Klimt was familiar with and that he drew inspiration from were Edvard Munch’s, painting, “The Kiss”, and Rodin’s sculpture, “The Kiss.”
At first glance, Rodin’s work appears to be a celebration of love, but it was originally created to decorate a larger installment called, “The Gates of Hell,” and was based on a story of infidelity and death. Munch’s work also carries dark undertones. The faces merge into one and Munch said that their unity “threatened a loss of individuality, even one’s existence and identity, which hints at death.”
The Dark Theme continues
Gustav Klimt’s painting “Love” presents a more overt exploration of darker undertones compared to the works of Edvard Munch and Auguste Rodin. The painting depicts a pair of lovers observed by three female heads symbolizing youth, old age (often interpreted as representing disease), and death. This composition poignantly illustrates the fleeting nature of life and love.
“Love” subtly hints at Klimt’s potential discomfort with genuine intimacy. Despite having numerous sexual partners and children, Klimt never established a long-term committed relationship or cohabited with any of his lovers.
As we will see, these theories about Klimt’s personality play into the different interpretations of his painting, “The Kiss.”
The Golden Phase
Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss” is renowned for its lavish use of gold leaf. This technique was not unfamiliar to Klimt, whose father was a gold engraver. However, Klimt elevated the use of metallics to an unprecedented level in his work.
“Pallas Athene,” completed in 1898, marks the beginning of his “Golden Phase.” This painting depicts the Greek goddess Athena, clad in armor and exuding defiance and intimidation. While gold leaf is prominent in this work, we also see the emergence of intricate patterns that foreshadow the elaborate designs found in “The Kiss,” considered the pinnacle of his Golden Phase.
It’s important to note that many of Klimt’s works also incorporate silver. However, due to silver’s tendency to tarnish, it’s likely that many of these silver-appearing elements are actually made of the more durable and valuable platinum.
Reading of Klimt’s “The Kiss”
“The Kiss” stands as one of the most celebrated and iconic artworks of all time, captivating viewers with its timeless message of love and beauty. Within the painting, a man and woman are enveloped in a peaceful embrace amidst a field of vibrant flowers, while seemingly floating within a shimmering cosmos.
Executed on a life-sized, perfectly square canvas, Klimt masterfully contrasts the realistically rendered human forms with areas of two-dimensional abstraction. This unique approach results in a visual effect that has been likened to a photomontage.
Pagan elements
The Kiss” shares striking similarities with Byzantine icons, particularly in its flat, gold background. This resemblance is unsurprising given Klimt’s inspiration from his travels to Ravenna, a city renowned for its Byzantine mosaics. Furthermore, the intricate patterns in the background, evoking the vastness of the cosmos, are rendered using techniques reminiscent of medieval religious paintings.
Many art critics have noted the presence of halo-like elements surrounding the couple: traditional halos, similar to those found in Byzantine icons, and more organic, leaf-and-flower wreaths that encircle their heads, creating a blend of Christian and pagan iconography. This unique combination suggests that for some, the couple in “The Kiss” embodies a post-religious icon.
Sexual Elements
Early in his career, Gustav Klimt faced public outrage and charges of obscenity for his mural paintings on the ceiling of the University of Vienna. This controversy led him to declare, “I’ve had enough of censorship… I reject all state support, I don’t want any of it.” He vowed never to accept commissions from the state again.
Given the more overtly sexual nature of his earlier works, it may be surprising for some to consider “The Kiss” a highly erotic painting. However, many art historians interpret the clothing worn by the couple as visual metaphors for emotional and physical expressions of love. The man’s robe is adorned with upright rectangles, often interpreted as symbols of masculine assertiveness. Conversely, the woman’s robe is embellished with circles and spiral patterns, which are said to symbolize the ova. Furthermore, the robes themselves, being loose and flowing, suggest that the couple is essentially nude beneath.
Beyond these symbolic elements, some interpretations suggest that the entire form of the embracing couple resembles a single, large phallic symbol. Additionally, the man’s elongated neck and head are seen by some as further emphasizing this phallic imagery. These subtle, and not so subtle sexual references are consistent with Klimt’s work within the symbolist movement which he was a part of.
Background of Klimt’s “The Kiss”
The breathtaking background of “The Kiss” depicts a golden cosmos, creating the illusion that the couple is suspended outside of time and space. This ethereal setting has led many art historians to interpret the painting through the lens of mythology.
Klimt employed a unique and intricate technique to achieve the shimmering gold background of “The Kiss.” He meticulously layered eight different types of gold leaf, creating a mesmerizing depth and variation of color.
To build texture beneath this opulent surface, Klimt mixed gesso with chalk, creating a thick paste that he used to sculpt shapes and forms. This textured base provided a foundation for the gold leaf, enhancing the interplay of light and shadow.
Furthermore, Klimt didn’t simply apply the gold leaf and leave it at that. He painted over it with oils, allowing the gold to shimmer through, and then delicately flicked additional gold flakes onto the surface.
Ultraviolet scans have revealed the astonishing complexity of this process, showcasing the multiple layers of gold and the artist’s meticulous attention to detail. This multi-layered approach, with gold applied, painted over, and then reapplied, effectively disrupted the uniform reflection of light, creating a shimmering effect reminiscent of the Byzantine mosaics that so captivated Klimt’s imagination.
The Couple
In “The Kiss,” the man’s head is turned away, revealing only his profile. He gently cradles the woman’s face with his hands, kissing her cheek. In contrast, the woman faces the viewer directly, one arm wrapped around his neck and the other resting on his hand.
The woman’s closed-eyed expression is a subject of ongoing debate. Is she fully embracing the kiss, or is she subtly turning away? This ambiguity adds another layer of intrigue to the painting.
One of the most enduring mysteries surrounding “The Kiss” centers on the identities of the models who inspired the couple.
Many believe Klimt and his close friend, the avant-garde fashion designer Emilie Flöge, served as the models. This interpretation suggests the painting reflects their deep, though possibly platonic, bond. The tenderness is evident, but the woman’s closed eyes and mouth, unusual in Klimt’s other works, may hint at an intimate yet non-sexual relationship.
Another theory proposes that the woman is “Red Hilda,” a frequent model for Klimt. Her resemblance to the woman in the painting lends credence to this possibility.
Mythical Interpretations of Klimt’s “The Kiss”
“The Kiss” has inspired numerous interpretations, with two prominent schools of thought suggesting mythological influences.
Given Klimt’s extensive background in painting mythological themes during his time as a muralist, it is reasonable to assume that mythology played a role in the creation of “The Kiss.”
Furthermore, several art historians have noted striking similarities between elements of “The Kiss” and the mythological paintings of Sandro Botticelli, particularly “Primavera.” These similarities suggest a possible connection to classical mythology in Klimt’s work.
This connection to mythology adds another layer of depth and intrigue to the already captivating masterpiece that is “The Kiss.”
Orpheus and Eurydice
Here is a quick summary of this myth:
Orpheus, a legendary musician in Greek mythology, was deeply in love with his wife, Eurydice. However, tragedy struck when Eurydice was bitten by a venomous snake and died.
Overwhelmed by grief, Orpheus embarked on a perilous journey to the Underworld to retrieve his beloved. Through the power of his music and his heartfelt pleas, he moved Hades, the god of the Underworld, and Persephone, his queen. They agreed to allow Eurydice to return to the world of the living, but with a strict condition: Orpheus must not look back at her until they had both emerged from the Underworld.
Filled with hope and anticipation, Orpheus began the ascent. He walked cautiously, resisting the urge to glance at his wife. However, just as they neared the exit, overcome with doubt and longing, Orpheus turned to look at Eurydice. In that instant, she vanished forever, condemned to remain in the Underworld.
Devastated by his loss, Orpheus wandered the earth in despair, refusing to love again. He was eventually torn apart by the enraged Maenads, a group of frenzied female followers of the god Dionysus.
The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice is a poignant exploration of love and loss.
The reason some art historians believe the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice may have influenced Klimt’s “The Kiss” is the portrayal of the woman.
Her pale skin tone, closed eyes, and serene expression have been interpreted as suggesting a sense of fading or withdrawal. This interpretation aligns with the tragic moment in the myth where Eurydice, having been lost forever, begins to slip away from Orpheus.
Apollo and Daphne
Here is a quick summary of this myth:
In Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Apollo, the god of music, poetry, and the sun, falls madly in love with Daphne, a beautiful nymph dedicated to the goddess Artemis (goddess of the hunt).
Cupid, angered by Apollo’s mockery, shoots him with a golden arrow, causing him to fall deeply and irrevocably in love with Daphne. However, Cupid also shoots Daphne with a leaden arrow, making her repulsed by love and desire.
Apollo pursues Daphne relentlessly, but she flees in terror. As Apollo closes in, Daphne begs her father, the river god Peneus, for help. In response, Peneus transforms Daphne into a laurel tree.
Though heartbroken, Apollo accepts this fate. He declares the laurel his sacred tree, adorning himself with its leaves as a symbol of his enduring, though unrequited, love for Daphne.
The myth of Apollo and Daphne explores themes of unrequited love and the fragility of human desire.
The reasons for believing Apollo and Daphne are the source of the story for “The Kiss” is largely tied to the woman’s feet. We can see that she is kneeling in a field of flowers, and her feet are teetering as if on the edge of a cliff. Some interpretations suggest that her legs are sinking into the ground, as if she is being rooted to the spot. Furthermore, tendrils of laurel leaves are emanating from her body and rooting themselves into the meadow. If this is the case, Klimt is capturing the moment Daphne is transformed into a tree.
This interpretation adds a layer of tragic beauty to “The Kiss” suggesting a poignant moment of transformation and rejection.
Final Thoughts on Klimt’s “The Kiss”
Klimt’s “The Kiss” is a testament to the power of art to transcend simple narratives and evoke a profound sense of wonder. It is a work that invites us to look beyond the surface and delve into human emotion and experience.
The painting’s ethereal beauty is undeniable, but its true meaning remains elusive. This deliberate ambiguity is a key factor in it’s enduring appeal. The open-ended nature of the work invites viewers to engage with it on a personal level. Is it a celebration of romantic love, a poignant farewell, a reflection of platonic affection, or a tragic rejection? The possibilities are endless.
This lack of definitive meaning contributes to the painting’s enduring fascination.
