The kiss of Hayez is a painting by the Italian painter Francesco Hayez made in 1859. It depicts a couple exchanging a passionate kiss, in a composition in chiaroscuro and in the troubadour style. It is kept at the Pinacoteca di Brera, in Milan. This painting is considered as a symbol of Italian romanticism and of the Risorgimento, the movement that led to the unification of Italy.
The historical and cultural context
The painting was commissioned by Count Alfonso Maria Visconti di Saliceto, a fervent militant of Italian unification. It was presented at the Academy of Fine Arts of Brera on September 9, 1859, and then given by the count to this institution. It comes ten years after the failure of the first Italian war of independence, in a period marked by the nationalist and liberal aspirations of the Italian elites. Politically, the Italians invest in the ideals of romanticism, forging their own visions, inspired by the French, and galvanized by the promises of Napoleon III.
Culturally, the painting follows in the footsteps of the troubadour style, which consists of representing scenes from the Middle Ages or the Renaissance, often inspired by literature or history. This style enjoyed great success in France and Italy in the 19th century, and expresses a nostalgia for an idealized and heroic past. Hayez himself made several paintings in this style, such as The last kiss of Romeo and Juliet (1823), which can be considered as a precursor of The Kiss.
The analysis of the work
The painting depicts a couple dressed as in the Middle Ages, who kiss at the foot of a staircase. The man, caped in brown, and the woman, in blue dress, stand at the center of the composition. On the first step, the man has placed his foot. On the left, one can see an opening that leads to the lower floor and in the backlight, one can distinguish a silhouette descending the staircase.
The couple is the focal point of the painting: the man’s face is hidden, that of the woman is less so, but one can see well that their lips touch. The man places his hand on the woman’s cheek. The scene is lit by a soft and diffuse light, which creates a contrast between light and dark areas. The colors are warm and harmonious.
The painting gives an impression of passion and intimacy, but also of danger and urgency. The kiss seems to be a farewell or a clandestine gesture, because the couple is threatened by the presence of the shadow on the left, which can symbolize an enemy or a spy. The man is ready to leave or to fight, as suggested by his foot on the step. The woman lets herself go in her lover’s arms, but her gaze is directed towards the spectator, as if to involve him in her secret.
The symbolic interpretation
The painting has been interpreted as an allegory of the Risorgimento, that is to say, the process of political and cultural unification of Italy in the 19th century. The couple would then represent Italy divided and oppressed by foreign powers (Austria in particular), which aspires to free itself and unite. The kiss would then be an act of revolt and patriotic love.
This reading is reinforced by the choice of colors: brown and blue are the colors of the Italian flag before 1848 (green will be added later). Moreover, the painting contains precise historical references: the scene would take place in the Visconti di Saliceto palace in Milan, where the Italian patriots met; the silhouette on the left would be that of Count Federico Confalonieri, friend of Hayez and leader of the Risorgimento; the woman would be inspired by Carolina Zucchi, mistress of the painter.
The painting can also be seen as an expression of Italian romanticism, which values deep feelings rather than cold reason. The kiss is then a universal symbol of love and desire, which transcends times and circumstances. The painting celebrates the vital and creative force of human love.
The kiss of Hayez is a major work of the 19th century Italian, which skillfully combines the troubadour style and romanticism. It illustrates the political and cultural situation of Italy on the eve of its unification, using the motif of the kiss as a metaphor for national and personal passion. It still arouses admiration and emotion among spectators today.
