Klimt's Studies for "Fulfillment" in the Stoclet Frieze and the Painting "The Kiss"

The 1907/08 studies of pairs of lovers show a wide spectrum of stylistic methods and psychological nuances. the main subject of these drawings is—in contrast to the completed works—a subtle give and take between the partners.
Through spontaneous and confident lines in blue pencil, Klimt captures the moment in which a man in profile lifts the knee of his partner who leans against his chest.

In this nuanced constellation, accents such as the man's supporting hands or the tender touch of the two heads emerge with psychological clarity.

Related to both "Fulfillment" and The Kiss is the drawing of a pair of lovers standing in profile. Due to its small size and precise execution, and combined with the subtle use of gold and watercolors, it gains a special status.

In this picture, the interlocking forms of the woman's arms wrapped around the man with striking angles and the rectangular kimono sleeve dominate. The heads which harmoniously cling together make oblique reference to the final arrangement in The Kiss.

The sweeping contour of the bare buttocks stands out from the decorative environment with finesse.

Here too Klimt establishes psychological and erotic accents. He emphasizes the tensed hands of the woman and their rhythmical harmony with the broadly embracing gesture of the man.

In this work, created as part of a dedication album, both the implied abyss and the backdrop filled with spiral shapes in a pillar formation refer to the painting The Kiss. In turn, the lovers are related to the standing pair in "Fulfillment" through their statuesque character.

The few studies relating directly to the painting The Kiss include the sheet with two detailed sketches for the man's stooped, partly hidden profile.

In the final painting, Klimt does away with the small beard present here. The sharpness of the drawn outlines corresponds to the prominent contours of the suntanned face in the oil rendering, which stands out succinctly from the mask-like paleness of the woman's visage.