Munch’s ‘Kiss’ from 1897

’The Kiss’ (1897) by Edvard Munch is part of Munch's ‘Frieze of Life’ series, which explores themes of love, anxiety, and death.

In ‘The Kiss’, Munch depicts a couple locked in an intimate embrace, their faces merging into one. The painting emphasizes emotional intensity over realistic detail, using dark, moody tones and expressive brushwork. The background is often interpreted as a symbolic barrier, possibly representing the isolation that can come with love.

Munch's work, including ‘The Kiss’, was influenced by Symbolism and early Expressionism. His art often reflected his personal struggles with love, illness, and loss.