The Kiss

With this image of romance and passion I wish you all a

"Happy Valentine's day"

"The kiss" (Il Bacio) is an oil on canvas painted by Francesco Hayez in Milan in 1859 and kept in the Milanese Art Gallery of Brera (Pinacoteca di Brera). The whole scene takes place in a medieval setting, but the embrace of the two lovers and the passionate kiss was an entirely new subject for the XIX century and many art critics have seen also an historical significance in the painting relating it to the Italian politic events during that time.
The stunning cold blue of the young lady's dress, made of a shiny heavy silk, rendered to perfection, the warm color of the man clothes and the subtle hues of the architectural details create a very refined palette. The man kissing his lover has his foot on a step, to give more emphasis to the kiss implying perhaps that the man is going to leave her soon and the choice of the artist to hide the face of the young man gives even more importance to the subject.
A great painting of a master that should be seen in real light to appreciate its true beauty.

February 14 is a day to celebrate love but we should remember to show love to our dear ones every day of the year, with a smile, a gentle word of appreciation, a caress, a kiss, because Love is a precious gift that has no cost.