The Kiss by Gustav Klimt The Kiss by Francesco Hayez

When it comes to Gustav Klimt's "The Kiss," it can be considered appropriated. While
appropriating the idea of a romantic embrace, he added elements of his own unique style, which
included gold leaf, symbolism, and beautiful patterns. The traditional subject matter was given a
new viewpoint by Klimt, who turned it into a portrayal of the contemporary Art Nouveau style.
While "The Kiss" by Francesco Hayez is arguably a borrowing as it retains much of the original
idea of a passionate embrace while incorporating some noteworthy thematic or artistic changes.
Although the spirit of love and closeness may be captured in Hayez's painting, it does not present
a wholly original viewpoint or opinion.
In terms of the ideas they project, both paintings convey themes of love and closeness
between couples. However, Klimt's "The Kiss" goes beyond the traditional portrayal of romance
by incorporating symbolic elements such as the use of gold to represent spiritual and material
wealth, as well as complex patterns that reflect the influence of Byzantine art. Klimt's painting
can be interpreted as a celebration of love intertwined with themes of passion, desire, and
transcendence. On the other hand, Hayez's "The Kiss" presents a more straightforward depiction
of romantic love, focusing primarily on the emotional connection between the two figures.
Hayez's painting captures the timeless and universal experience of romantic affection. Both
paintings share similarities in their portrayal of romantic love, but they differ in terms of the
artistic approach and the depth of meaning they convey. Klimt's "The Kiss" exemplifies
appropriation by infusing the traditional subject matter with new symbols and perspectives,
while Hayez's "The Kiss" represents a more straightforward borrowing of the theme.