#francescohayez — Public Fediverse posts
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"The Kiss," Francesco Hayez, 1859.
Hayez (1791-1882) was an Italian Romantic painter. He was known for grand historical paintings and portraits, as well as paintings like this...which, despite seemingly just a painting of a couple kissing passionately, is a political allegory.
Painted during the struggle for Italian reunification (following the Napoleonic wars and annexation by the Austrian Empire), on the most superficial level it shows a passionate embrace and the triumph of emotions. Deeper, it shows the nationalist ideals of a soldier getting ready to go to battle, also indicated by a barely-visible dagger in the man's cloak, and the blue, white, and red elements that reflect the flag of France, which was supporting Italy's reunification. (Another version colors the man's cloak green, reflecting the Italian flag.)
Despite its seeming innocuous nature, "The Kiss" was a popular image with those fighting for a united Italy. And it's a good reminder that Romanticism has a good dose of nationalism.
From the Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan.
#Art #Romanticism #FrancescoHayez #ItalianHistory #PoliticalAllegory #Kiss #Passion