Some couples have “our song” or “our place.” My wife and I seem to have “our drawing.” It is, of course, “The Kiss” by Gustav Klimt (July 14, 1862 – February 6, 1918). My wife has a book about it, we have it on a mug, and at some level, it is an idealized version of us.
Klimt, according to Wikipedia, painted it “between 1907 and 1908, the highpoint of his ‘Golden Period’, when he painted a number of works in a similar gilded style. A perfect square, the canvas depicts a couple embracing, their bodies entwined in elaborate robes decorated in a style influenced by both linear constructs of the contemporary Art Nouveau style and the organic forms of the earlier Arts and Crafts movement. The work is composed of conventional oil paint with applied layers of gold leaf, an aspect that gives it its strikingly modern, yet evocative appearance…”
“Klimt was 45 when he painted The Kiss, still living with his mother and two unmarried sisters,” yet reportedly had, let’s say, an active romantic life. There was a 2006 film called Klimt, starring John Malkovich, which I did not see, but it did not review well.
The artist was honored with a Google doodle in honor of the 150th anniversary of his birth earlier this year. Check out iklimt.com or klimtgallery.org for more information about Gustav Klimt.
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Here are some songs about kissing, all of which charted on the US pop charts. I didn’t bother with Kiss by Prince, because his people are always taking down YouTube videos.
Kiss on My List – Hall & Oates (1980)
Kiss You All Over – Exile (1978)
Kisses Sweeter than Wine – Jimmie Rodgers (1957)
Kiss An Angel Good Morning – Charley Pride (1972)
What are your favorite songs about kissing?
My favourite song about “Kisses”is the European Song contest winner of Great Britain:in 1976 by the Brotherhood of Man “Save Your Kisses for Me”.
Your painting by Klimt is very beautiful. I like art nouveau very much! Shall I do the Kagerplassen also for ABC? Well then I shall save the post I had in mind for the next round.
I’m going to have to go with Prince’s (or is it still the artist formerly known as?) “Kiss”
ABBA has a song called “Kisses of Fire.” It’s quite disco-y, but very excellent.
I love Klimt’s works…they’re so decadent – all that gold and richly designed ‘fabrics’. I live in NYC near the Neue Gallery which houses lots of Klimts so I get to see them first-hand. They are breath-taking! Great post.
I am not familiar with this man’s work but I really like it. I will have to do a bit of research on him myself.
I would love to have that picture on a mug too.
That’s a wonderful painting to have as you and your wife’s painting vs song.
I have always felt a little sorry for that poor woman getting her neck squashed all for a kiss. her hand position makes me think she is ready to yank his hand away from her throat.
Lovely thoughts on the painting and info, too. I like This Kiss by Faith Hill.
One of my favorite artists and this one is so popular ~ Great choice ~ (A Creative Harbor)
thanks for coming by and commenting ^_^
I like “The Kiss” with Faith Hill as well.
Rose, ABC Wednesday Team
This Kiss! by Faith Hill. ‘Living with mom at 45’ somehow makes me feel better.
Ah, so sweet…
That is one of my favorite images too. It’s one of those kinds of images that you can get lost in, I think. Perfect choice! Two for one with the artist name and the subject matter!
That is an incredibly gorgeous painting! The opulence of the Art Noveau era is indeed depicted warmly.
Cheers!
Unique take on the theme! Lovely!
I would say It Started with a Kiss and probably nothing by Kiss!
Such a romantic painting!
I like Klimt, he had a very special style of painting ! I have seen an exposition of his paintings, very interesting !
Cool painting, and I like the Jimmie Rodgers song. 🙂
We have “our song” but never thought of “our painting”. Thats really a pretty cool thing to have. I love all of those song about “kiss”.
Ann
Glad you featured a close-up as well as the entire painting. Recently came upon “Then He Kissed Me’ by the Chrystals which is now one of my favs♫♪
Fascinating painting, must be quite an experience to see it in the flesh/gold leaf. It would appear Vienna might be the perfect romantic destination for you both.
Very romantic!
Ha, my partner and I have exactly the same drawing !
Spent last week with Peanut so the first song that comes to mind is “Kiss the Girl,” sung by Sebastian, the Jamaican crab!