By Olivia Janis
One thing I learned from Mrs.Waterman’s art history class, is how to really understand art through a historical lens. But, you do not have to be an art historian to appreciate art. We see art everyday, all around us. From the intricate designs of architecture, murals in public parks, or simply going to an art museum, we are able to immerse ourselves with beautiful and inspiring pieces.
Some art pieces are able to capture the depth and complexities of love, evoking emotions and sparking connections that transcend time, place, and language.
In honor of Valentine’s day, let’s take a look at some of these famous pieces of art.
1.The Kiss by Gustav Klimt (1908).
The Kiss is one of Gustav’s most famous pieces and my favorite piece out of these five. The first thing I notice in the piece is how it looks almost illuminating. According to Smarthistorians Dr. Zucker and Dr. Harris this is because the piece is made of gold leaf, silver and platinum. The gold ties to Byzantine traditions.
The kiss also has religious connotations. If you have taken any art history classes, it is easy to notice that the figures look as if there are halos around their heads. Halos or mandorlas indicate the glow of sanctity and are often featured in depictions of Christ or Mary. The dark, golden background of the painting gives the impression that the figures are being absorbed by the cosmos, as if they are dissolving into the vastness and eternity of that kiss. (TAKE NOTES: this is how your first kiss with your bae should be! If you’re not falling into the vastness of the earth then you are probably doing something wrong.)
For historical context, Vienna had undergone rapid modernization in the 30 years prior to Kilmt’s painting. In this piece Klimt is capturing a universal experience, abstracting it from the traumas, struggles, and anxieties of everyday life.
Additionally, Dr. Zucker and Dr. Harris explain the roles of the female and the male figures. The female, whose face is frontal, is depicted in a very passive way and she is being held and receives the kiss, while gently touching his face. The man’s neck reaches around her which shows his physical power and the intensity of his desire.
I absolutely love the color and patterns of this painting, and I really feel like I can feel the love radiating off the painting.
Source: Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Beth Harris, “Gustav Klimt, The Kiss,” in Smarthistory, December 5, 2015, accessed February 2, 2025, https://smarthistory.org/gustav-klimt-the-kiss/.
2. Pygmalion and Galatea by Jean-Léon Gérôme (1890)
When I first saw this piece, I realized I needed to understand the mythological story of Pygmalion and Galatea. So after doing some research here it is:
Pygmalion was repulsed by the women around him, whom he saw as morally corrupt. So, he decided to sculpt the “perfect woman” out of ivory. Over time, he grew to love the statue, which he named Galatea, meaning “milky white.” During a festival in honor of Aphrodite, Pygmalion prayed for a wife that resembled Galatea. Aphrodite, understating his true desire, sent her son, Eros, to kiss it, which turned it into a living woman. Pygmalion returned to find Galatea transformed, and they were married and lived happily ever after.
In my opinion, I found it a little odd that he was repulsed by EVERY woman he met and then he fell in love with a statue… It almost sounds like he was the problem, not the woman. However, everyone deserves to find love, so Aphrodite the goddess kindly helped him. Perhaps instead of eating 12 grapes under the table on New Year’s Eve, maybe take one of Mr. Smith’s ceramics classes, sculpt your ideal significant other, and pray to Aphrodite to bring it to life (especially if you need a prom date).
Now, let’s take a closer look at the painting. When observing Gérôme’s painting of Pygmalion and Galatea you can notice the slight color change at the top portion of the statue. The change in skin tone from the statues legs to the upper body hint at the transformation from sculpture to human. The background which depicts the setting– the workshop– also depicts the time period. The cherub represents Eros, the son of Aphrodite.
The painting does not just depict a simple kiss, but carries symbolic meaning and is an allegory, referencing a deeper story of creation, love, and transformation. You know, your average high school romance.
3. The Abduction of Psyche by William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1895)
If you can’t tell, nudity was quite popular in the 19th century (or nudity with some strategically placed drapery). Like many Neoclassical artists, Bouguereau often turned to ancient Greek and Roman myths for his subjects. In this nearly life-sized painting, we see Psyche being lifted into the air by a curly-haired, winged Cupid. Both figures are depicted as physically flawless and breathtakingly beautiful, bathed in the soft pinks and creams that are signature to Bouguereau’s style.
The title however, seems to make us believe that Psyche is being abducted. But when looking at the painting, that is definitely not the face of someone who is being abducted against their will. It looks like someone being rescued from a bad PDC date (where you know even at the picture party it ain’t gonna go well). Art historian Reed Enger explains that the original French title, L’enlèvement de Psyché, can also mean The Rapture of Psyche, which better captures the moment.
Again this painting is influenced by mythology, so if you are unfamiliar with the stories here is the background to the painting:
The story, from Lucius Apuleius’ Metamorphoses, tells of Psyche, a princess prophesied to marry a monster. However, Zephyr, the west wind, carries her to a heavenly meadow where she meets Cupid. Bouguereau depicts the pivotal moment of Psyche’s transition from earthly fate to divine love, filled with relief and wonder.
Reed Enger, “The Abduction of Psyche,” in Obelisk Art History, Published November 25, 2015; last modified November 07, 2022, http://www.arthistoryproject.com/artists/william-adolphe-bouguereau/the-abduction-of-psyche/.
4. Dance in the Country by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1883)
The Dance in the Country by Renoi is an impressionist painting, indicated by the brustrokes, unblended color, and the emphasis on natural light. This piece features Renoir’s wife, Aline, and depicts a (fully-clothed) couple enjoying a dance in a country setting. ( If your future husband is not creating paintings of you, they don’t like you ).
According to Renoir.net the dancers’ attire and posture enable the artist to convey a feeling of motion in this portrayal of love. The vibrancy and closeness in the piece are achieved through the artist’s choice of subject, as well as the use of warm tones and subtle lighting. The hat in the foreground, implies the spontaneousness of the dance, and that the couple rushed to the floor. (His beard suggests that perhaps he’s hiding something?)
I think that this piece captures a very wholesome moment between husband and wife and he reminds us how the little things in a relationship (like a bonnet, gloves and a fan) help to keep the spark alive.
.
5. Natural Magic by Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale (1913)
Natural Magic illustrates a poem by Robert Browning. The poem in a man’s point of view describes private moments between him and his lover. This painting really embodies the emotions of young love.
When I first looked at this painting, my eyes were immediately drawn to all the colors surrounding both the boy and girl. According to Ms. Chatfield, who is an expert Pre-Raphaelite artist, the room is illuminated with flowers, birds, and bright colors in order to illustrate how when the two are together the room suddenly becomes enchanted– like magic.
Fortescue-Brickdale was very careful in capturing the same details that are mentioned in the poem. For example her depiction of the flowers matches that of the description in the poem. Because of this the poem truly comes to life.
The girl is depicted as crowning the boy, suggesting that she considers him to be “the chosen one”. I like that idea, my next bae gets to be crowned.
