From Klimt to Banksy, throughout the history of art, the concept of love has attracted the attention of artists of all kinds and from all eras. Represented in a wide range of different styles and media, the idea of romance continues to capture the public's imagination. There are countless examples of the representation of love in art: celebration, passion, deception, forbidden loves, or even a sunset or a starry night. The kiss is one of the most recurrent motifs as it embodies feelings of tenderness and love, and speaks to all generations of people. Centuries have passed and artists have used such works to capture the beauty and passion of love.
Gustav Klimt's "The Kiss" is an iconic work that probably most of us know. An example of his interest in representing intimate themes, the painting is both erotic and tender. Klimt presents a couple in love in full embrace. The artist never revealed the identities of the figures. However, today the couple is thought to be inspired by the artist and his companion Emilie Flöge, a Viennese fashion designer. Like painting, their relationship is shrouded in mystery. In a more subtle way, Antonio Canova's "Psyche revived by the kiss of Love" is inspired by the story of Cupid. The piece shows the tender moment when Psyche, a human turned into a goddess, is awakened by a kiss from Cupid, her husband. Canova captures the humanistic emotions of the scene by paying attention to the realistic expressions and intimate positioning of the figures.
Henri Toulouse-Lautrec's "In Bed, The Kiss" is one of his many pieces on intimate situations. This work shows two women kissing passionately on a bed. It is recognized for its inherent emotion of the scene as the artist emphasizes with his characteristic energetic brushstrokes and expressive color palette. Let's not forget Auguste Rodin's iconic sculpture, "The Kiss". It’s a very dynamic composition of two lovers: Francesca da Rimini, a noblewoman of the 13th century whose story was presented in Dante's Divine Comedy, together with her brother-in-law.
However, the works do not necessarily have to show explicit signs of affection such as kisses or hugs. Love is a concept and can be represented in many ways, it is a feeling and as such can be reflected in colors, brushstrokes, textures, etc. Let's remember "Love" by Robert Indiana, a large pop-art sculpture of that word that has been shown in different cities around the world. It has been related both to Valentine's Day and to the Christmas spirit. While the best works can inspire feelings of romance at any time of year, Valentine's Day is a good time to revisit them or meet new artists. From experienced to emerging artists, below we selected 5 artists who have represented love in all its forms and that you can easily acquire in art galleries like Saatchi or Artsy.
Beate Garding Schubert
Her works are powerful pieces that convey hope and happiness in the face of the world's ills. The artist works with multiple supports, such as sculptures and canvas, and is known for her abstract compositions that combine letters with lines and energetic brushstrokes. The power of feeling connects with the viewer through warm and bright colors. One of the projects we recommend is the series of heart-shaped sculptures in different colors, entitled "Hope", "Home" and "Spread Love". They can talk about freedom, tranquility, and security of the home or optimism.
Beate started her international career in 2007. Since then she has exhibited all over the world, such as in New York or Beijing, and her works can be found in important international collections. Her works can be acquired from $700, like the pieces mentioned above, up to $2,000
Anna Laura Premoli
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and based in Milan, Italy, the artist reflects her passion for painting since her first works. Her pieces are abstract but she possesses an impressive technical virtuosity after dedicating herself to the restoration of frescos, among them of Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Her need to express herself has led her to painting. She specializes in the trompe l'oeil technique, which has allowed her to create a dynamic and expressive style. Her works are characterized by their textures that play with the volumes in space, giving a unique touch to any room.
But the trait that best defines her art is love, in her words; it is the "love in which I have never stopped believing... love as the driving force of the universe". Little stories are hidden in each of her works that we invite you to discover. For those who are interested in her art, the artist has a wide range of prices to her credit, from $400 to $5000.
Ksenia Senkevich
Although the artist's main message is social criticism and the role of women in society, her paintings have the ability to convey the deepest feelings in a powerful way. One of her qualities is detail in plastic anatomy and body language. This interest is reflected in her work "Couple", which portrays the overwhelming bond between lovers. Many of her works are inspired by her trip to India, a country where she was delighted by its colors, aromas, and flavors. According to the artist, she has felt like an ethereal being.
Her influences are clearly marked by Picasso, Braque, and Léger. Senkevich's works can be purchased for an average of $1000 to $2000.
Santhy Shetty
According to the artist, her paintings "can be called equanimity between aesthetic contemplation and the holistic narrative of mind and body, a passionate voice of the higher self of the soul". Her experience in the field of medicine has influenced her in her search for balance between soul and body. These are works that try to connect through powerful energy. The characteristic of her art is the vivid colors that help to create an optimistic scenario.
They are more than abstract pieces since they are inspired by the genuine feelings of the interior of people. The spontaneity and beauty of her art can be achieved in an average of $1010 to $1780.
Cindy Bearce-Maffini
Bearce-Maffini is a figurative artist who has specialized in landscapes and still life. From the capital of love, the painter reflects an aura of romanticism in each of her pieces. Her soft brushstrokes and pastel colors are an ideal choice to give to someone special. Her prices are more accessible, between $300 and $600.
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Note: Prices are accurate and items in stock as of the time of the published post.
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