Thursday, December 9, 2010

The Kiss - Gustav Klimt

I feel the need to discuss this painting. It's very important to me because when I think of love, this comes to mind. Love and passion are what drive me to do everything in my existence. As silly as it may sound, I feel connected to it.

The wreaths that they are both wearing reminds me of a bond that they may have, or a marriage. They both have their hands wrapped around each other. The man seems so enthralled  in the woman that he doesn't face us. Lets not forget the expression on her face. Her eyes are closed. When you are so wrapped up in the moment, it's almost a reflex to just close your eyes and see with your heart instead. Her toes curled. A symbol of happiness. Have you ever noticed that some people gesture with their feet as well as their hands? I always thought that was funny. The most important part of the painting, I think, is the gold. The patterns they're wearing are different. She's wearing flowers. When I see that, I think of femininity. He's wearing a pattern with black and gray rectangles. A more modern, masculine pattern. However, they both share the solid color. The color around their heads remind me of both a bubble and a giant halo. The bubble symbolizing that nothing exists at that moment besides the two of them, the halo being the purity of their love. And who hasn't either seen, or thought of the idea that you'd be laying in a field of flowers with that special someone?

I first saw this my freshman year of high school. It was in English class. I found myself daydreaming often about the idea of this type of love. For me, it shows one of loves best descriptions.



                       This is a photograph by Burke Heffner who amazingly paid homage to the painting.

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