Le baiser (The Kiss)

A work by the French painter Carolus-Duran. “Le baiser” means “The Kiss” in French.

Although Duran would later gain fame as a portrait painter for the upper classes, this work is an autobiographical and deeply personal double portrait (self-portrait) depicting an intimate moment between himself and his newlywed wife (the painter Pauline Croizette).

The frank depiction of the affection between a real, secular couple, rather than mythological or historical figures, was highly innovative for its time.

In his youth, he was influenced by Gustave Courbet's realism, and this work employs a subdued color palette and a modest, gentle brushwork.

His wife's white dress, red shawl, and the roses adorning her hair, emerging from the dark background, beautifully convey their quiet passion and sensuality.