The Farewell of Telemachus and Eucharis (Main View)The J. Paul Getty Museum
Romantic love has been one of the most prominent inspirations for art and artists throughout history and around the world. Often at the center of these artworks is a depiction of the couple. The way they are shown interacting can tell us a lot about how love was expressed and understood at various points in history. But how well do you know these artistic expressions of love through the ages?
Country Dance (1883) by Pierre Auguste RenoirMusée d’Orsay, Paris
Couple 1
The artist’s wife, Aline Charigot, was the model for one half of this dancing couple from an 1883 work. The couple seem to be completely absorbed in their dance, holding each other close, the man oblivious to the fact his hat has dropped off. Do you know the name of the artwork?
'Danse à la campagne'
Pierre Auguste Renoir's iconic painting of a dancing countryside couple is part of a pair itself, the other being a depiction of city dancers who appear to be much more restrained than their country cousins!
The Kiss (1908-1909) by Gustav KlimtBelvedere
Couple 2
This iconic and well-loved artwork shows a couple locked in a deep embrace, with art historians believing it to be the artist himself with his long-time partner, Emilie Flöge. Do you know what it's called?
'The Kiss'
It's Gustav Klimt's The Kiss, of course! Perhaps his most famous piece, it is typical of his 'golden period' when he mixed gold leaf in with his oil paints.
The Kiss (Paolo and Francesca) (1886) by Auguste RodinMilwaukee Art Museum
Couple 3
Originally due to form part of the sculptor’s monumental work depicting scenes from Dante’s Inferno, this work shows adulterous lovers Paolo and Francesca. Do you know the artwork?
'The Kiss'
Auguste Rodin, famous for sculpting The Thinker, also turned his hand to more passionate subject matter. In the story, the couple are surprised and killed by Francesca’s husband while sharing this kiss. Rodin's racy sculpture caused a stir when it was first exhibited in 1887.
Le Basier de L' Hotel de Ville, Paris (1950) by Robert DoisneauBoca Raton Museum of Art
Couple 4
Known for his photos of everyday Parisian life, this 1950 image is the most famous of the photographer’s collection. It captures a moment of unbridled passion, with a couple locked in a passionate kiss, seemingly unaware of the commuters around them. Who took the photo?
Robert Doisneau
'Kiss by the Hôtel de Ville' is Doisenau's most famous shot. The artist later revealed it was a staged photo after a real-life couple sued for royalties, believing it to be themselves in the picture.
Print (1764–72) by Suzuki HarunobuThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
Couple 5
This wood block print of a couple walking through the snow sharing an umbrella is a beautiful example of the simplicity of Japanese art from the Edo period. Do you know it?
'Lovers in the Snow under an Umbrella'
The work is by Suzuki Harunobu, the first woodblock artist to produce full color prints. It’s a tranquil and tender image showing a different side of love to some of the other more passionate artworks above - but no less moving.
The Kiss (1908-1909) by Gustav KlimtBelvedere
How loved up were you?
How many of these romantic images could you identify? Learn more about Klimt and Japanese art here.
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