In honor of valentine’s day, a holiday that I don’t usually care about that much, I decided to share with you some beautiful, iconic artworks where love was celebrated passionately. If you are interested, here is my selection of love in paintings that I think are worth seeing.
Romantic love was explored by artists through the history of humans. But some depictions of love in paintings are just too beautiful and meaningful that they catch the viewer’s attention instantly.
Passionate and Romantic Love in paintings
The Kiss (1907-1908) – Gustav Klimt
The kiss is one of the most iconic depictions of love, this painting has a warm loving energy that is created through the composition, the warm color palette and the lovers kissing figure which is also full of intricate patterns, symbolizing passion and intimacy. The background to me reflects that feeling of being alone in the world in no space or time which is how it feels when you kiss someone you deeply love (at least that’s how it feels to me).
In Bed: The Kiss (1892) – Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Pretty self-explanatory I would say, but this is a more intimate and tender depiction of love, capturing a calm, personal and quiet moment between lovers.
The Swing (1767) – Jean-Honoré Fragonard
I have mentioned this painting so many times before in my blog. The swing is a masterpiece of the rococo period. Now I am not a fan of secret love, especially one where a third person is being hurt but I specifically love this painting for how Fragonard used a great mix of dark vs. playful colors and a composition that strongly captures the excitement of secret love.
Another thing a is that despite the topic being pretty taboo, this painting is still a lighthearted, flirtatious take on romance.
Tragic and Forbidden Love in paintings
Hear me out, I am not one to like tragedy and stuff, we are talking about love in paintings here not about actual love and relationships. So let’s take the topics choice with a pinch of salt.
Paolo and Francesca (1867) – Dante Gabriel Rossetti
The Legend Behind the Painting
Paolo and Francesca da Rimini are two of the most famous doomed lovers in literary history, their story immortalized in Dante’s Inferno (Canto V). Francesca, a noblewoman, was married to Giovanni Malatesta, known as Gianciotto, a powerful but cruel man. She fell in love with his younger brother, Paolo, who was kind and handsome. Their love was pure yet forbidden.
One day, while reading the medieval tale of Lancelot and Guinevere, the two were moved by the story of another pair of forbidden lovers. Overcome with emotion, they kissed. Unfortunately, Gianciotto caught them and, in a jealous rage, murdered them both. In Inferno, Dante places Paolo and Francesca in the Second Circle of Hell, where the souls of the lustful are eternally swept by violent, stormy winds—symbolizing their uncontrolled passions in life.
Back to the artwork
Rossetti created a poignant and deeply romantic depiction of Paolo and Francesca.
Key Elements in the Painting:
- The Lovers in a Gentle Embrace: Paolo and Francesca are shown in a tender moment, about to kiss, highlighting their passionate yet ill-fated love.
- A Book as a Symbol of Fate: The open book they were reading (Lancelot and Guinevere’s love story) is visible, reinforcing the moment that sealed their destiny.
- Soft, Flowing Composition: Rossetti’s use of rich, warm colors and delicate brushwork enhances the sensuality and tragedy of their love.
- A Shadow of Doom: Some versions of the painting include a shadow or figure of Gianciotto in the background, foreshadowing their impending death.
The Lovers (1928) – René Magritte
I like this painting because it’s a surreal depiction of love hindered by an invisible barrier. It also symbolizes love that is present but unreachable, reflecting themes of loss or secrecy.
Mythological and Eternal Love
Pygmalion and Galatea (1890) – Jean-Léon Gérôme
- Based on the myth of an artist who falls in love with his own sculpture.
- Represents the idea of love as a force of transformation.
Marc Chagall’s Love Paintings
- Chagall’s dreamlike lovers floating in vibrant, surreal landscapes.
- A reflection of his deep love for his wife Bella, making his paintings personal and universal.
