Like The Thinker, The Kiss is also derived from the Gate of Hell, Rodin’s opus magnus. It is originally based on the characters Paolo and Francesca from Dante’s Inferno, who are condemned to hell for eternity because they kissed each other after Francesca married Paolo’s brother. The final image of The Kiss gives a different impression, not one of despair but of happiness and unforced love. The image is very sensual but radiates a certain sweetness. The kiss was submitted by the French government in 1893 for participation in the World Columbian Fair exhibition in Chicago, but the American authorities considered the image too daring for a public display. It was set up in a private room that could only be accessed with special permission. Perhaps due to the mysterious atmosphere, the screening was a great success and The Kiss has remained one of Rodin’s most popular works to this day.
Material: Solid synthetic resin
Height 10 cm.
Packaged in a luxurious gift box.