The Kiss, Munch
| Author: | Edvard Munch |
|---|---|
| Type: | Painting |
| Style: | Expressionism |
| Medium | Oil |
| Support: | Canvas |
| Year: | 1897 |
| Located: | Munch Museum, Oslo |
It depicts a man and a woman kissing and embracing.
The artist employs the technique of free, textured brushwork to convey a sense of movement not only in the figures but throughout the entire pictorial space. It can also be observed that the lovers are in a room with the curtains drawn, allowing a sliver of streetlight through the uncovered corner of the window.
The colors used are mainly cool: blues, greens, blacks, and dark reds.
The figures of the man and the woman lack facial features. Their faces merge in the kiss, and the two individuals become one in intimacy. Their souls unite in that passionate act. In future representations, Munch will not only merge the faces but the figures will evolve to have their entire bodies merged.
Regarding its historical context, "The Kiss" reflects quite well the era in which Munch painted it. The artist, who was living in France during that time, was caught up in the chaos of the "Armed Peace" (1871-1914) that created a tense situation, which later led to the First World War. This pre-war atmosphere brought about existential concerns among artists, particularly focused on themes of life and death. By the end of the 19th century, Munch began to explore an essential experience of human life: love.
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