The Kiss (in German Der Kuss) is Gustav Klimt’s most famous painting and the peak of his golden period. The embracing couple, wrapped in golden robes on a flowering meadow, became a symbol of love in art – and one of the most reproduced paintings in the world. Read where the original hangs, why Klimt reached for gold, and how a hand-painted reproduction of The Kiss on canvas is made.
Where is the original? In Vienna, from the very first day
The original of The Kiss hangs in the Belvedere Gallery in Vienna. The Austrian state bought it as early as 1908, when the painting was not yet entirely finished – and it has never left Austria. That is exactly why the Belvedere is today one of the most visited artistic pilgrimages in Europe.
Why gold? The story of the golden period
Klimt was the son of a gold engraver and knew the craft closely. The decisive mark, however, was left by a visit to Ravenna, where he was captivated by Byzantine mosaics with gold backgrounds. In The Kiss (1907–1908) he combined oil paints with leaves of gold, silver and platinum: the figures float in a golden light that is neither space nor landscape, but something in between – eternity. The painting measures 180 × 180 centimetres, a perfect square.
Meaning: an embrace that became a symbol
The man leans towards the woman, she kneels at the edge of a flowering meadow – right at the edge of a precipice. Interpretations differ: the height of love, surrender, or a moment just before parting. It is precisely this openness that makes The Kiss speak to every generation anew, and makes a reproduction of The Kiss one of the most frequently chosen paintings for the home.
How a hand-painted reproduction of The Kiss is made
The gold background is a special challenge for the painter: our painter builds the golden tones with oil paints in several layers, so that the surface glows and changes with the light in the room – an effect that print cannot achieve. The ornaments on the robes require precise work with a fine brush tip. We stretch the reproduction on a stretcher frame, and you choose the frame in the 3D preview on the product page.
Frequently asked questions about The Kiss
Where does the original of The Kiss hang?
In the Belvedere Gallery in Vienna. Austria bought it in 1908 and the painting has never left the country.
When did Klimt paint The Kiss?
In 1907–1908, at the peak of his golden period.
Is there real gold on the original?
Yes, on the original – besides oil paints Klimt used leaves of real gold, silver and platinum. Our painter recreates the golden surface on the reproduction with oil paints in several layers, without metal leaf.
Can I buy a hand-painted reproduction of The Kiss?
Yes, in our online gallery you can order a hand-painted reproduction of The Kiss on canvas in the size of your choice. Before delivery you receive a photograph of the painting for approval.
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