The Kiss by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt is one of the most recognizable artworks on earth. The simple scene of two people kissing is surrounded by sumptuous gold leaf mingled in oil paint. Something about it has captured the imaginations of viewers for more than 100 years. The painting itself was somewhat of a miracle for Klimt. In 1907, he was reeling from the poor reception of his University of Vienna Ceiling Paintings, which featured nudity, scandalizing art critics of the time. The Kiss still hints at the eroticism Klimt was known for, but in a subtle way, as the couple are completely covered in beautiful robes. Klimt painted The Kiss in a panic, but it ended up being bought before it was even finished, and for a sum that was unheard of in that time.
But who are the couple depicted in the painting? Many believe the man is Klimt himself, and the woman could be one of his many lovers or muses. We have their photographs, and we've seen their faces on other artworks, but opinions vary, and Klimt never told us. Read the history of The Kiss at Mental Floss.