The Kiss by Gustav Klimt: Great Art Explained
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Great art explained. James Payne discusses 'The Kiss'.
I started "Great Art Explained" during lockdown. My aim is to make videos which focus on one great artwork. I want to present art in a jargon free, entertaining, clear and concise way with no gimmicks.
Subscribe and click the bell icon to get more arts content. Each video takes me about three weeks to a month, so I download at least once a month:
th-cam.com/channels/ePD.html...
By the end of the 19th century, Vienna, an uptight, stuffy and conservative city, was changing.
A group of artists, architects, musicians and social scientists, were experimenting in ways that would transform their individual fields.
On the one hand, Vienna was the traditional city of academic art, Johann Strauss, and the Hapsburg empire, but on the other, it was the home of radical artists such as Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele who were shocking audiences with explorations of sexual themes.
Architects Otto Wagner and Adolf Loos were challenging imperial design, while Gustav Mahler was transforming the musical life of the city.
And Sigmund Freud was about to change forever the way we think about the human mind.
Vienna was experiencing a new golden age.
It was a city at the forefront of modernity, and it would shape the 20th century.
CREDITS
All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Title Sequence by the brilliant Brian Adsit (instagram brian_vfx?... and Behance www.behance.com/badsit88)
The Kiss by Gustav Klimt - The artist died in 1918, so this work is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 100 years or fewer.
Chinese subtitles by Charles Xue
Dutch Subtitles by Ana Glyph
German Subtitles by Victoria Drabik
FOOTAGE
St. Vitale - • San VITALE RAVENNA, It...
BOOKS, CATALOGUES AND ESSAYS
KLIMT BY GILLES NERET
Gustav Klimt Complete Paintings by MR Tobias
Gustav Klimt and the Vienna Secessionists by Michael Kerrigan
El beso (los enamorados) de Gustav Klimt. Un ensayo de iconografía, Editorial Lulu.com, 2008
Klimt Schiele Drawings (RA catalogue) - Various
Gustav Klimt, Modernism in the making (National Gallery of Canada Catalogue) - Various - บันเทิง
Please leave a comment (even a short one) and "like" the video. It really helps promote the channel on TH-cam. I appreciate it! James
I'm enjoying these video descriptions so. my 3rd today ...
Appreciate your work and sharing.
Best Regards,
Beth
Tennessee, USA
I never thought I would be the kind of person to care about art and art history. These videos have awakened a curiosity in me that I thought was dead. Thank you.
Thanks 🙏
You should go to the Louvre. It’s amazing. I was not much of a fan of art until I stood at the Louvre in front of some of these paintings with tears in my eyes. Some art just moves and inspires you. I highly recommend it.
for real i feel the same!
NEEERD!!!!!!
Me too! Grew up a poor Tex-Mex kid. I now sponsor this program on Patreon. I encourage others to do so as well. This high quality of programming is rare. Been to museums all over the world as an adult and have learned more about art from this program than any other source.
It feels illegal to watch these videos for free. They are art masterpieces in their own ways.
i agree!
So true
Absolutely
The best things in life are free
@@divinegon4671 so true.👍
When the world needed him the most, he returned.
Ha! Thanks Thena 🙏
Iconic
Whoever is reading this,
I hope you have a great day!
Here is some artist inspiration for you 🎨 ✨
th-cam.com/video/gHi-OYi570s/w-d-xo.html
I was also in Vienna in 2012 and I saw the amazing exhibition celebrating all the artists mentioned in this video. I can't remember where it was. There was a bench, and my Mum sat on it for a rest, then we realised is was actually a piece of art.
He was our Savior and our Lord🤣🤣🤣
I was in Vienna as a 17 year old teenager, when I first faced this beautiful painting. After gazing at it for 30minutes I realized, how little of art I comprehend or feel. After visiting the Castle Belevedere my soul opened up the to arts and I started devoting my life to literature, music and art. This painting is very dear to me and thank you Mr. Payne for taking me to a trip to my warmest memories!
Thanks for the comment 🙏
We
Same! I happened to be 19 at the time…very formative moment seeing this in person!
Brilliant!
I relate to this so much. Seeing this work in person is a life altering experience. It was the first piece of art I’ve ever seen that instantly brought tears to my eyes. The way the light reflects off of it…it’s scale… the emotion in the piece… it’s unbelievable.
Every episode is gold. You are legitimately teaching me to better appreciate art and I'm very grateful for this.
this one literally is; gold
gold leaf
:-D
True
The Kiss is the single most beautiful painting I have ever seen. I was surprised, however, to hear that it was sexual. Perhaps I’m too naive but I see nothing sexual in it at all. The kiss describes - better than any book - the nature of falling in love. We become infatuated, develop a passion which eventually overpowers us and forces us to succumb and give ourselves to the other person, not knowing for sure if the other person is really who and what we imagine in this this momentary state of delightful insanity.
One thing that always struck me was how all the beautiful and partially abstract decorations around the kissing couple just fade away when I look into this painting. I can step back and observe them as illustrations of how the intoxicating love feels in our hearts, minds and bodies - but the kiss draws me back in again.
The painting Judith, on the other had oozes eroticism and doesn’t really tickle my fancy. Looking at that, I feel like I’m suddenly becoming part of the intercourse she seems to be having. Too much for me.
Mine is only an opinion - I’m not saying I’m right - thanks for watching 🙏
I can relate. To me it seems that the lovers are being surrounded by Love. Love being Gold. Almost like they are drowning in a sea of gold or passion. 💗
This is not a woman engaged with the embrace. She is holding her face away, her hand is taut and twisted, her feet awkward. Her body is not open and receptive but closing and shrinking away. Not what I would interpret as romantic at all!
@@TAdams-hx9lk and his hands by her face, as if to control her..
@@GreatArtExplained I appreciate your humility. It's so unusual these days. Thank you for the video.
The cross references to other artists, influences and changing culture of the time give your docs an extra dimension not to mention your wonderful take on details that would or could otherwise go unquestioned. Thank you very much
Agreed
what I love about this painting is how he is showing true adoration of the woman by kissing her on the cheek. It looks like they are wrapped in a blanket after love making and the glow on her face is one of almost reverence, she looks like a lady of class by the look of her hair/makeup/skin she doesn't look like she works but she seems so sweet in her face which seems almost like a distinct contrast to the situation of love making... this painter loved women and gave them the ability to be women who make and enjoy love making and at the same time keep their innocence, goodness.
You described him well, lol. Watching this I kinda thought he was a jerk who wouldn't settle down with a woman, but be intimate with them. Still kinda think that's the case, he was probably incapable/scared as the orator said. But also your description of him as a lover of women freeing them to explore themselves while retaining their purity is really good, too
If all art history were taught in the way these videos are I would have majored in art history. Endlessly fascinating and wonderfully presented. Thank you!
I totally resonated with that
Another triumph!
All I can really add isn't about art, rather the points you made about music. A lot of Viennese composers fled Vienna in the 30s because of the Nazis. They ended up in Hollywood. Thats why so much of the music we think as 'cinematic' is so reminiscent of 1930s Viennese opera. That huge brassy sound with all the tropes like leitmotifs for each character. That would have been very familiar to an inter war Viennese audience.
Interesting - thanks 🙏
Fascinating
Woww
I love how you intorduce not only the painting history but a brief history about the artist and the era they lived in !
I learn more from these than the online art courses I've taken in college.
They weren't terrible classes, but they'd talk briefly about different artists.
Basically they'd be like "Here's an artist, here's what their work looks like, now study these vocabulary words for the quiz".
It hurts especially because I'm an artist myself, I love learning about other artist's thought processes and their techniques.
Anyway, your videos help me understand and appreciate artist's work even more.
Thanks 🙏
are you a painter?
@@MegaTinni I'm a cartoonist, but I love learning about different artists from different eras and movements.
same. i've taken college courses off-and-on over the past decade and they've all been like this, but in recent years, they've been including youtube videos like this to make up for their own lack of insightful content.
I enjoy how you blend in the biographical, historical, social, and artistic aspects of the painting. I remember first seeing one of his painting as a student in Chicago. I wonder how much interest people would have if he hadn't used gold in his works. Thanks for another interesting video!
Please, please, please do not stop making these videos. The 15 min format is perfect. I truly feel inspired after every one. I've learnt so much. Why did I choose to be an accountant, my whole adult life has been shit.
Great job, James! I'm persuaded by the argument that the couple is Orfeo and Eurydice, perched on the edge of the Underworld, as her toes strain to hold on. That would explain the tension in her feet. This painting comes across as the opposite of platonic; it's one of the most passionate images I've ever seen, quite overwhelming (I've seen it at the Belvedere. ) You know, I'd happily watch a longer video; the description of the materials Klimt used is fascinating.
Thanks for the comment - so much of this is theory as Klimt never discussed his work - I like putting forward different ideas to consider.
@@GreatArtExplained And we are blessed because of it. Thank you for sharing and all your hard work James. I love Klimt’s paintings. I enjoy the mystery of his work and that he didn’t discuss it much. I’m sharing your channel with all my artist friends on TH-cam. Blessings to you!
I so agree with you about this being one of the most passionate images I have seen. Your comment actually made me realise this. Thanks.
@@christelwilk6166 My pleasure! I hope you get to see it at The Belvedere. It's an amazing experience.
Please... please keep making these video. I love every single one of them!
Thanks 🙏
the gaudy background of the kiss shows everything else falling away when one is in a lover's embrace
Thanks to the algorithm for bringing this gift to me and everybody!
Thanks 🙏
And of course, thanks to you. Wish you all the best!
It made me see how man’s talent can become part of us in our quest to further enhance our own fantasies and submit to another form.
To create art of this caliber takes…what it takes 🙂 To deliver it to the “masses” the way you do is no small feat. One person act - a researcher, script writer, narrator, director and editor - you’re an artist in your own right. Thank you for elevating my soul…Every. Single. Time!!!
Thanks for such a nice comment 🙏
I agree wholeheartedly!
These brief 15 minute documentaries on artists and their art are masterpieces in their own way. The way you combine history, theory, methods, music, and inspiration with each artist certainly helps to transcend each canvas, frame, and paint.
I have only come across one artist in my life that brings out the sort of fascination that Klimt brings out in me. It's a physical feeling in my chest and brain - a stirring of some kind. His paintings are so perfect, so beautiful, that it's almost hypnotizing when I look at them. It's hard to explain because it happens so seldom.
Rembrandt, with his unmatched use of light, is the other artist.
I had no idea Klimt was so adverse to intimacy cause his paintings say otherwise, very interesting 🧐!
Maybe in the context of our modern day, we pretty much open minded so we don’t see the overwhelming sexual undertones of his work like the critics during his lifetime?
@AAH Replies Sex and Intimacy aren't the same thing
Yes! Finally Gustav Klimt. Thank you
The new intro is great!
Thanks 🙏
Another stunning video! I've been patiently waiting for this one and I wasn't disappointed.
Same here
Me too!
This painting was mentioned to me by a young colleague yesterday in context of a film Woman in Gold. I am so happy to have watched this presentation. Even odder that it came up in my recommendations on TH-cam. Or maybe not!
Every time you post I feel like I’ve been blessed. Honestly, the caliber of content which we have at our hands today is so incredible, and people still choose to mindlessly consume tiktok 🤢
thank you for enriching my mind & soul with your films, I just absolutely adore them. 🙏🏻 they are soulful, poetic, enlightening, and so moving.
Thanks for such a nice comment - I appreciate it 🙏
a great point, made less so by filling it with emojis... but yes, amazing channel :)
🙏
Thank you SO MUCH for this video. As a lover of Klimt who has never been able to see his work in person, I’ve always wondered how much of it was visible reflective gold. Photographs don’t do it justice. Watching this video has really helped me understand and appreciate it even more
So ridiculously beautiful, both the art and the exploration. Thank you for these beautiful experiences.
Such a wealth of information! I sympathize with Klimt’s cause of tearing down the divisions between fine art and crafts. I think that fine art and handwork and fashion design all belong to the same mother. I love when artists champion all art. Thank you for another treasure of a video!
Cinematic. When I crop out of full screen, it feels like the ending of a movie, the moment where the lights are turned on again.
This is one of the best channels I’ve ever come across. The production value is just phenomenal. Please keep them coming!
With a relaxed cup of coffee here in Vienna, I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation, thank you.
Excellent - give my regards to the ringstrasse!
@@GreatArtExplained absolutely, it doesn't change.
After all the times I've seen The Kiss and listened to Mahler's Adagietto, I never realised how well they work when put together. Thanks for this video!!!!
Yes they do - Thanks!
@@GreatArtExplained I have the same picture, how much does it cost?
I was just thinking about The Kiss this past evening, it’s one of my very favorite pieces of art. Thank you so much for this video.
Thanks 🙏
It’s a joy to watch this beautiful video. You’ve made my day. Thank you James, as always.
I imagine this painting to look absolutetly stuning IRL. I hope one day I can see it in person
When I first saw the kiss, I didn't think much about it. But when someone asked me what my favorite painting is, The Kiss suddenly become so vibrant in my brain. It's captivating, it's romantic, and she is an enigma that keeps making me come back to her. Thank you so much for making this video!
My first time ever seeing "The Kiss" was in the anime Elfen Lied, where the intro animation intertwines the lead character in Klimt's pieces. Always loved the artwork but never knew until recently that it was a famous painting. After having watched this video, I want to re-watch Elfen Lied and discover the meaning behind it.
Saw the painting in person and was mesmerised by how shiny it was !
You guys are doing amazing works , I really appreciated the Rothko video too
Another video of the highest quality. Thank you so very much James, these videos have been a great comfort.
i've loved klimt's work in a superficial way for years. so cool to have been introduced to so much of his life and inspirations in 15 mins. thank you!
You deserve a Nobel, an Oscar and a Pulitzer for a perfect report on the science of visual art
James is back at it again. Thank you soo much for this James😀😀
Thanks 🙏
@@GreatArtExplained I have the same picture, how much does it cost?
Gustav Klimt's paintings and Gustav Mahler's music, it's almost too much beauty to be bathed in, in 15 minutes,...almost. Beautiful.
This is so beautiful and articulate. I've grown to love and appreciate art history because of this channel!
Always looking forward to your posts! 💛
Thanks 🙏
I just came back from NYC, where I went exclusively to see art. Your series helped me to see beyond the canvases. Knowledge is power.
I wore a shirt of this painting yesterday ❤️
as an Austrian I am really thankful that someone respects our history that much and wants to educate the world about it
thank you ☺️
That is simply as powerful, deep and moving insight as befitting Klimt and his art. Great explanation indeed for great art-that broadens our understanding and appreciation of his work. Thank you.
A fantastic little lesson with everything we need to know: Klimt's back story, historical context, technique, meaning… Great work.
Incredible as usual. I love seeing the quality of the editing improve as your channel progresses but the quality of the content has been fantastic from the start. Your videos are so engaging and enjoyable to watch and I feel my appreciation of art has improved so much because of your work. Thank you so much for making these James
Thanks for such a nice comment - 🙏
He is one of my favourite artists and I’m so glad I was able to learn more about him as a person and an artist with this video
Visited Vienna just to see Der Kiss. Fell in love with the painting, as well as with the city. Vienna felt like home ❤
Thanks, James! Appreciate your passion for the arts. Sending you love from Manila 😊
Radical, to say the least. Exqusite.
The Vienna Secession reminded me of the Impressionists back in France. Astounding artists all of them, ahead of their time.
Rich in detail video.
I honestly couldn't even name any painting apart from the Mona Lisa before discovering this channel. Now I've bought books on Frida Kahlo, cubism and I'm planning a holiday to Europe next year just to see some of these works, and I'm going to hopefully take up some medium of art in the new year. Considering art was my least favourite subject in school by miles and miles, I can't believe how much these videos have transformed my perspective.
Thank you Sir!
Thanks for watching 🙏
@@GreatArtExplained I have the same picture, how much does it cost?
The man in the painting isn't merely wearing "a crown of vines," it looks like a laurel wreath, which symbolizes triumph. It could mean that he won his conquest. That also fits with the masculine print of his garment. I always thought of this painting as a depiction of Yin and Yang. This painting has been a part of my life since I was in my early 20s when I bought a large mounted art print of this painting as part of a vintage poster for a Gustav Klimt gallery show. If my children see this painting anywhere they say, "Look Mom, your painting!"
Thank you for the high quality content that you constantly provide. It is outstanding work. Please, continue to make these videos and never stop.
Thanks 🙏
Everytime there's a new video it feels like a lesson... Your video should be played in academic courses... Thank you for sharing and teaching us.
Thanks 🙏
Keep up the great work dude, you’ve exposed millions to the beauty and importance of art in our lives
Please do a video about Salvador Dali's painting "the persistence of memory" sometime in the future !
It’s planned!
@@GreatArtExplained very nice to hear 👍
What a city.
What an artist.
What a video!
Thanks so much!!!!
Something I have always mused about towards this painting is that it represents Ariadne and Dionysus.
Dionysus the god of ecstasy, who is of legend represented by and pictured with a wreath of Ivy on his head (Ivy in ancient Greece representing vigour, life and fidelity) fell in love with Ariadne and placed a crown of 7 diamonds on her head (7 white flowers on her hair in the painting).
When Ariadne died, Zeus took the crown and placed the diamonds into the sky forming the constellation we now call “Corona Borealis” (which incidentally is in the exact semi-circular shape of the 5 blue flowers at the bottom of the woman's hair).. obviously just my thoughts, but this painting has always conjured that story up for me.
This theory of mine is further backed up by the fact that Klimt was very interested in the art of Greek antiquity, especially in his early career.
Another notable thing, I think, is that the male is painted deliberately phallic, the neck is too long, thick and the head is shaped like a bulbous glans, perhaps accounting for the look of ecstasy on the womans face!
Just my 10 cents!
The painting feels like the embodiment of the lyrics “can I get a kiss, and can you make it last forever” by Kali Uchis. Feels like she was inspired by Gustav Klimt. 🎶
Holy shit, this video in itself felt like an experience. I can't wait to watch more from this channel
Another great video! Those high res videos in the intro are stunning.
Art says so much of the society of that time. It’s not just art but a piece of history that tells so much.
Every video is a masterpiece about a masterpiece. I never thought I would enjoy so much to learn about art and artists, thank you James. If I may make a sugestion, would be great to learn more about Cabanel's The Fallen Angel.
Thanks 🙏
As an ardent fan of Klimt, your review delving into possible origins of this painting are quite compelling.
Visited the Belvedere today and then this comes up. Great way to reflect all the impressions of the day. Thank you!
Just when I was searching for something to watch before bed. So happy to see another video, thank you for all of your hard work putting these together!
Thanks 🙏
@@GreatArtExplained I have the same picture, how much does it cost?
Always been a lover of Klimt's art but had no idea about his goldsmith father and the ambiguity of The Kiss. Hiw exciting to learn these new facts!!
Damn man the music you use in your videos is always sooo good and fitting. An amazing video As usual :D
My favorite definition of art: Art is whatever you can get away with- Marshal McLuhan
one of my favourite channels on youtube right now, you have helped me into deepening my love for art even more, thank you so much for your work :)
I just discovered your channel and I Love it! In college I majored in history and minored in art history studying art history made my studies in history more complete. Unfortunately, I have not used this learning in the adult part of my life, your videos have reawakened my love for learning about art one masterpiece at a time! Thank You!!
Thanks for watching
ive seen this painting everywhere, but knowing the man behind it opens many doors. it meant almost nothing before, but now, your analysis has made it mean everything. great video!
Thank you for awaking my appreciation of art. 💥
Wow.....the story is beautiful....it's so good to hear how much he truly had done to the painting.
Really appriciate the effort you put in these videos. You remind people without art knowledge how complex and beautiful art can be. And people with art knowledge how simple and beautiful art can be. And that.. is art. Bravo.
A great video, yet again. I, too, feel that your take on the individual pieces of art presents a wholesome and yet concise view of he times, the author and the art piece itself without overwhelming the viewer. Thank you so much, I feel like I'm finally catching up on some much needed education on this subject.
I love your rhetoric… you make the art come alive with history of it as well as the artist involved…so tasteful. Thank you 🙏🏽 much appreciated. 👍🏽🙋🏻♀️Mia
Thanks for reminding us the capital role of art in enriching our lives. Your videos are very precious and a joy both for the mind and soul
I am in love with these. Before I watched your videos I would view art as some paint and brushes but now I see it as something more. It is like every art piece has a story and every artist has a past. Thank you for these videos. I love watching them when I paint :-)
Thanks for featuring one of my favourite painters! As usual, keep up the good work!
The amount of times im going to rewatch this…
Excellent thanks 🙏
The background of this painting is so interesting. I love the gold leaf and the beautiful colours and composition of this painting. So spectacular. Thank you for this video.
The beginning of this video immediately reminded me of the fun fact that every album of Naxos's Mahler cycle has a Klimt's artwork as its cover. It's really spot-on to link the two Gustavs together.
Another excellent video, and I also like the swish new titles!
Thanks 🙏
Mahler‘s 5th will never fail to give me goosebumps
Me too - I’ve been wanting to use it for ages but was waiting till I did Klimt.
Absolutely fantastic video again! Thank you so much for the work!
I don't even have to watch the first minute... automatic thumbs up. Consistently good...
Great Art Explained totally unique merchandise available here - crowdmade.com/collections/greatartexplained
People should try their hand at art. Too many people say, "I can't even draw stick figures". But stick figures are not the only kind of art. It doesn't have to be perfect. You learn as you go. Art becomes celebrated when it has artistic merit. That's a high bar, and most people will never achieve this kind of merit that Klimt has. But they can find their artistic voice, learn more and more about creating art, and enjoy the journey. It can be crafting, metal smithing, crochet, wax painting, collage, mixed media, sculpture with found objects, etc. It's not just drawing. But it is self expression. And the brain has a unique place where creativity takes place. Getting past the frustration of self limitations is the first step. I absolutely love this channel as an artist and a lover of art.
Honestly I always think ahhhhaa now here is a painter I DO know loads about... then I watch Great Art Explained and understand soooo much more :-)
Klimt + Mahler? This video is heaven for me ♥
This channel was a most excellent discovery. Incredible work!
I love the new intro.
This channel means so much to me. I have been watching since the first video and i hope you never stop making them.
Keep up the amazing work!
Thanks for your continued support! I appreciate it 🙏
@@GreatArtExplained I have the same picture, how much does it cost?
I have always loved the artwork of Gustav Klimt.
Thank you for this video, the effort, thought and time put into it.
Aaaaaah can't believe you made a video of this painting, thank you! I love it so much, I have a big tapestry of this paiting hanging above my bed