The Kiss, Francesco Hayez, oil on canvas, roughly 43 x 35 inches ( 110 x 88 cm); link is to image file page on Wikimdeia Commons, original is in the Pinacoteca di Brera (Brera Art Gallery) in Milan.
In this beautiful painting by mid-19th century Italian painter Francesco Hayez, the woman’s stunning gown is the first thing to attract our attention. The shimmering blue material (satin?) is offset by the bright red of the man’s leotards as he leans her back in romantic embrace.
They are standing on what appears to be a stairway landing. The shadowy silhouette of what looks to be a maid descending the lower staircase adds a bit of implied intrigue.
Look at the wonderful range of color Hayez has worked into various areas of the stone wall.
