The Kiss

Gustav Klimt came from poverty and as a result he travelled little.

It was believed that his trips to both Venice and Ravenna, which were famous for their mosaics at that time, inspired his"Golden Phase." This is more evident with this work of The Kiss (1907) which is famously associated with the"Golden Phase" of Gustav Klimt. This painting has been compared to the Mona Lisa as there is a contrast that fascinates the viewer.

The painting clearly depicts the dominance of the man, the apprehension of the woman and clever placement of the robe to subdue sexual tones that were implied in many of Gustav Klimt's work. Taking a closer look at the painting, one cannot help but feel the power of the woman figure over the man. The woman is leaning away while the man continues his advances; this signifies a sense of power that the woman holds over the man.

The art or Gustav Klimt often portrays women holding a sense of power, clearly the viewer of Gustav Klimt's art could feel this message speaking to them.