One of the most famous depictions of love in art, this marble statue illustrates Paolo Malatesta and Francesca da Rimini, two lovers from Dante’s The Divine Comedy. Their kiss is so passionate, you would not know that they were condemned to hell after their affair. The duo was originally part of doors he designed called The Gates of Hell until 1886, “when Rodin decided that this depiction of happiness and sensuality” did not fit, sculpted a separate statue, and exhibited it in 1887, according to the Musée Rodin in Paris. A version of The Kiss was supposed to be displayed in Chicago in 1893, but the couple’s embrace was deemed too erotic for public viewing.
17 Memorable Kisses Throughout History
Smooches to remember in time for Valentine's Day
Auguste Rodin’s The Kiss
Full List
Kisses
- Auguste Rodin’s The Kiss
- Thomas Edison’s The Kiss
- Hershey’s Kisses
- V-J Day in Times Square Kiss
- The Kiss of Death
- KISS
- World Leaders Kiss
- Al and Tipper Gore Kiss
- Ray Bourque’s Stanley Cup Kiss
- Britney and Madonna Kiss
- Post-Stanley Cup Riots Kiss
- World Leaders Don’t Kiss
- The Obamas on The Kiss Cam
- The Fastest Runner Kiss
- The Longest Kiss
- TIME Covers of Same-Sex Couples Kisses:
- Speed Skaters Kiss