The Kiss by Hayez: Meaning and Location

Francesco Hayez’s The Kiss (Il Bacio) is one of the most celebrated paintings of the Romantic period, embodying themes of love, patriotism, and political revolution. Painted in 1859, this masterpiece continues to captivate audiences with its dramatic composition and emotional intensity. In this article, we explore the meaning behind The Kiss, its current location, and its historical and financial value.

The Meaning of The Kiss

At first glance, The Kiss appears to be a simple depiction of a passionate embrace between two lovers. However, beneath its surface lies a deeper narrative intertwined with Italy’s struggle for unification.

A Symbol of Love and Passion

The painting features a young couple locked in an intense, almost theatrical kiss. The man, clad in a blue cloak and red tights, leans into the woman, who is dressed in a flowing blue gown. The dramatic lighting accentuates the lovers’ entwined figures, highlighting the intimacy of the moment. Their embrace conveys an urgency, as if time itself is fleeting. This depiction of romantic love aligns with the ideals of the Romantic movement, which emphasized emotion and individualism.

A Political Allegory

Beyond its depiction of love, The Kiss serves as an allegory for the Risorgimento, the movement that led to the unification of Italy. Painted in 1859, the same year as the Second Italian War of Independence, the artwork symbolizes the sacrifices made for the cause of national unity.

• The Man’s Attire: The colors of his clothing—red, white, and green—mirror the Italian flag, subtly reinforcing the nationalist message.
• The Kiss as a Farewell: Some interpretations suggest that the embrace is a farewell, with the man preparing to leave for battle. His posture and the placement of his foot on the steps indicate imminent departure, while the woman’s grip suggests a longing to hold onto him.
• Shadows and Mystery: In the background, a shadowy figure lurks in an open doorway, hinting at the presence of danger or espionage, possibly referencing the political turmoil of the time.

Through these elements, Hayez transforms a romantic gesture into a metaphor for Italy’s struggle for freedom and unification, making The Kiss a powerful patriotic statement.

Where Is The Kiss by Hayez Now?

Currently, The Kiss is housed at the Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan, Italy. The Pinacoteca di Brera is one of Italy’s most prestigious art galleries, known for its extensive collection of Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. Hayez’s painting remains one of its most treasured works, drawing visitors from around the world.

History of the Painting’s Location

When The Kiss was first completed in 1859, it was displayed at the Brera Exhibition, where it gained immediate acclaim. Due to its immense popularity, Hayez created several versions of the painting, each with slight variations in color and detail.

• The Original (1859): The first version, which remains at the Pinacoteca di Brera, is considered the definitive and most widely recognized.
• Reproductions: Hayez painted at least three additional versions, one of which was commissioned by the art collector Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli. Another variant was sold to a private collection, and one version exists with a different color scheme.

Despite these variations, the Pinacoteca di Brera’s version remains the most iconic and continues to be the focal point for scholars and admirers alike.

How Much Did The Kiss by Hayez Cost?

Determining the exact cost of The Kiss at the time of its creation is challenging, as art pricing in the 19th century differed significantly from today’s market. However, there are several aspects to consider when evaluating its historical and present-day value.

Original Sale Price

When The Kiss was first exhibited in 1859, it was likely purchased for a sum that, while significant for the time, would be considered modest compared to today’s art market standards. Given the prestige of Hayez and the significance of the piece, it would have commanded a respectable price, but precise records of the transaction are scarce.

Modern Valuation

If The Kiss were to be auctioned today, it would undoubtedly fetch an astronomical price due to its cultural and historical significance. While the exact value is speculative, estimates suggest it could be worth tens of millions of dollars. Several factors contribute to this estimation:

• Artistic and Historical Importance: As a defining work of Italian Romanticism and a symbol of national identity, its value extends beyond aesthetics.
• Museum Ownership: Since the original is housed in a public institution, it is unlikely to be sold. However, if a comparable version were to appear at auction, it could rival sales of other masterpieces from the era.
• Market Trends: The art market has seen record-breaking sales for historic paintings, with works by Renaissance and Romantic artists commanding staggering prices.

Value of Reproductions

Several versions of The Kiss exist, and while they are valuable, they do not carry the same prestige as the original. If one of these versions were to go on sale, it could still fetch several million dollars, depending on provenance and condition.

Francesco Hayez’s The Kiss is more than just a romantic painting—it is a symbol of love, sacrifice, and national pride. Its rich allegorical meaning, combined with its artistic beauty, ensures its place as one of the most revered masterpieces of the 19th century.

Currently housed in the Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan, the painting remains accessible to the public, allowing viewers to experience its emotional depth firsthand. While the exact cost of The Kiss at the time of its creation is unknown, its present-day value is undoubtedly immense, both culturally and financially.

Whether admired for its passionate depiction of love or its historical symbolism, The Kiss continues to resonate with audiences, standing as a timeless testament to the power of art in shaping national identity and human emotion.