The Kiss
12:00 AM |
| Carolus-Duran, The Kiss, 1868 |
Typically, if couples are portrayed, they are displayed later in their relationship in a placed arrangement or in separate but matching portraits. This painting depicts the couple in an early and spontaneous moment in the relationship, as seen by the obviously thrown bouquet in the lower right-hand corner. The feeling of spontaneity comes when viewing this painting and therefore adds to the youthful romanticism taking place.
Carolus-Duran was a French painter and art
instructor best known for his portraiture, many of whom were of women. He studied at the Lille Academy and then at
the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris. In 1861 he visited Italy and Spain, and
became influenced by the old masters, especially Velázquez. After returning to
France, Carolus-Duran's first major success came with "The
Assassination" in 1866, "The Kiss" followed in 1868. But, his most
significant painting would be "Lady with a Glove," painted in 1869, which brought
him fame, and launched his career as a successful portrait painter.
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