Surely, you've experienced it at least once in your life.
A moment you wish could last forever, yet its end is in sight.
Parting with a loved one
The morning of the last day of a trip
A night spent watching a child's sleeping face
In such moments, for some reason, we wish time would stand still.
The painting and music we introduce today, separated by 200 years, share that 'same emotion'.
First, please look at this painting.
Francesco Hayez, The Kiss, 1859, Pinacoteca di Brera
A dimly lit stone corridor.
Yet, only the two figures are illuminated by a dramatic light.
In that light, a soldier kisses a woman's lips.
However, his left foot is on the stairs. As if he is about to leave at any moment.
What did you feel when you saw this painting?
Did you find it 'beautiful'?
Or did you feel a sense of poignant sadness?
Please keep that feeling in mind for a moment.
This Painting Holds a Hidden Message
Italy, 1859. For many years, the country had been under the rule of the Austrian Empire. People dreamed of a unified nation and secretly continued to work underground.
They formed a secret alliance with the great power of France and were preparing to fight together.
The painter Hayez imbued this 'kiss' with the spirit of that era.
