The Kiss.

My absolute favorite painting is "The Meeting on Turret Stairs", by Sir Fredrick William Burton. A large reproduction of this painting on canvas was recently given to me as a gift by a very special man. I have placed it in my bedroom, so it is the last thing I see before I close my eyes. And the first thing I see in the morning, when I awake. Receiving this gift, made me re-evaluate my sentiments about another famous work of art, "The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt. It is beautiful, golden and evocative. Depicting a man and a woman in a tender, sensual embrace, resulting in a covert kiss. This masterpiece has been greatly studied and interpreted by various experts. However, I feel that, as with any art, gazing at an image is a very personal and private experience. The effect is diverse and very individual. Additionally, perhaps one might even discover something new about a piece, as time goes by. I have seen The Kiss many times before. I actually even recall a reproduction of it hanging in my parents home. It never had any particular effect on me. But recent developments in my life have made me see the painting with completely new eyes. It evokes emotions and impressions I only now began to recognize. I have finally found my personal understanding of this exquisite work of art. Eventually, I think Klimt might have had his own justification as to why he created this stunning piece. One, that no man or woman in the world will ever elucidate. And perhaps therein lies its allure.