The 12 Most Romantic Lovers Depicted In Art
The Kiss by Auguste Rodin at Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen | © Yair Haklai/WikiCommons
The Kiss, Auguste Rodin
The Kiss was originally designed to be part of The Gates of Hell, Rodin’s monumental sculptural group work depicting a scene from Dante’s Inferno. This well-known sculpture shows adulterous lovers Paolo and Francesca, who are surprised and killed by Francesca’s husband while sharing their first kiss. Rodin realized that the sensuality of this depiction didn’t fit with the theme of his project, and he transformed the piece into an independent work. Although the eroticism of the sculpture caused controversy when it was first exhibited in 1887, Rodin went on to make three full-scale marble versions of the sculpture, as well as smaller versions in terracotta, bronze, and plaster.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip
Looking for an expert’s perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
Central America South America Europe Asia Africa
CentralAmerica
Gorgeous Guatemala
5 days . Mini
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.
Next
CentralAmerica
Beachy Belize
5 days . Mini
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
Next
CentralAmerica
Colonial Mexico
5 days . Mini
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
Back to Map
SouthAmerica
Adventurous Ecuador
8 days . Epic
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.
Next
SouthAmerica
Ancient Peru
9 days . Epic
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
Back to Map
Europe
Seductive Southern Italy
10 days . Epic
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.
Next
Europe
Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train
7 days . Culture
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
Next
Europe
Complete Portugal By Train
8 days . Culture
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
Back to Map
Asia
Soulful South Korea
10 days . Epic
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.
Next
Asia
Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam
11 days . Epic
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between – adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
Next
Asia
Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train
10 days . Culture
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka’s fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
Back to Map
Africa
Epic Morocco
11 days . Epic
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains – this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!
Next
Africa
Ultimate Egypt
9 days . Epic
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You’ll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
Next
Africa
Immersive Kenya
8 days . Epic
3. Kenya
An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
Back to Map
Two Lovers Beneath an Umbrella in the Snow | © Art Institute of Chicago/WikiCommons
Lovers in the Snow under an Umbrella, Suzuki Harunobu
This Edo-period woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu is both romantic and poignant. A lovely example of polychrome print (nishiki-e), a medium which Harunobu pioneered, the print depicts a couple walking together in the snow. They’re shown in the ai ai gasa pose, which translates to ‘love love umbrella’ (referring to a couple sharing an umbrella). The tranquility of the scene quietly illustrates the Japanese aesthetic of wabi, the beauty of simplicity and stillness.
Springtime, Pierre-Auguste Cot | © Gift of Steven and Alexandra Cohen, 2012, Metropolitan Museum of Art/WikiCommons
Le Printemps (Springtime), Pierre-Auguste Cot
This oil painting created by Pierre-Auguste Cot in 1873 was one of the artist’s most successful works, later reproduced on tapestries, fans, engravings, and porcelains. An enchanting depiction of young love, the work shows a couple gazing devotedly at one another as the young woman embraces the man. The couple is depicted surrounded by symbols of the newness of spring, including flowers, water, and butterflies. The painting is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Become a Culture Tripper!
Sign up to our newsletter to save up to 800$ on our unique trips.
hotel de ville | © kait jarbeau/Flickr
Kiss by the Hôtel de Ville, Robert Doisneau
Photographer Robert Doisneau is known for his photos capturing everyday Parisian life, but the Kiss by the Hôtel de Ville is easily his most famous image. This black-and-white photograph taken in 1950 depicts a couple in the middle of a dreamy kiss, with pedestrians moving indifferently around them. The identity of the couple remained unknown for decades until a couple who thought it was them sued for royalties in the 1990s. Doisneau revealed the photo was a staged shot between aspiring actress Françoise Bornet and her boyfriend, Jacques Carteaud. Despite being staged, the photo continues to be an iconic image of both love as well as the romance of Paris.
The Kiss / El Beso | © Art DiNo/Flickr
El Beso, Victor Delfín
El Beso (The Kiss) is an enormous statue of a couple engaged in a passionate kiss. This red statue is set in Parque del Amor (Love Park), a small park in Lima’s Miraflores district. The park and statue were both inaugurated on Valentine’s Day in 1993. The man and woman depicted in the statue are said to be the artist, Peruvian sculptor Victor Delfín, and his wife. The statue and surrounding park are popular spots for local couples to canoodle.
In bed – The Kiss | © Henri Toulouse Lautrec, Public Domain/WikiCommons
In Bed: The Kiss, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
This beguiling 1892 painting depicts two women embracing in bed. Toulouse-Lautrec painted a number of other couples in bed, but supposedly described this scene as ‘the very epitome of sensual delight.’ The painting’s bright reds and yellows balance delicately with cooler shades of green, blue, and gray. The couple is captured holding one another closely, as if they don’t want to be separated from one another.
Loving Couple, Mithuna, 13th century, Orissa, India. Eastern Ganga dynasty | © shibainu/WikiCommons
Loving Couple (Mithuna), Unknown
This 13th-century ferruginous stone carving depicts a couple gazing deeply into one another’s eyes. Displayed in the Indian Medieval Sculpture Gallery at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the carving was once part of a temple in Orissa, a region in northeast India. Their full bodies and intricate features are characteristic of architectural sculptures produced during this time period. In addition to being a depiction of love, the statue is also believed to represent humanity’s desire to connect with the divine.
Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss by Antonio Canova | © Joe deSousa/WikiCommons
Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss, Antonio Canova
The story of Cupid and Psyche is among the most celebrated classical myths, and a popular subject for artists in the neoclassical period. According to the story, Venus instructed Psyche to bring back a flask from the Underworld, telling her not to open it. Unable to contain her curiosity, Psyche opens the flask and the fumes send her into a death-like sleep. The sculpture depicts the moment after Cupid has awakened Psyche with a kiss. Created in 1793, the sculpture is displayed at the Musée du Louvre in Paris.
Love is, Puuung
Love is is an ongoing series by South Korean artist Puuung, featuring charming illustrations of a young couple in love. The illustrations demonstrate that true love is often defined by seemingly unremarkable shared moments, rather than dramatic gestures. The couple is shown cooking dinner together, watching movies, kissing one another on the forehead, and sharing other common experiences of happiness, sorrow, and peace together in their everyday lives.
The Kiss, Gustav Klimt | © Scan from an art book/WikiCommons
The Kiss, Gustav Klimt
This well-loved work by Austrian painter Gustav Klimt depicts an embracing couple. The Kiss is a departure from Klimt’s other paintings, which mainly focused on women. Some art historians believe the couple portrayed here are Klimt himself and his long-time partner, Emilie Flöge. It’s a characteristic example of Klimt’s golden period style, during which he mixed gold leaf into his oil paints. The painting can be seen today at Österreichische Galerie Belvedere in Vienna.
LiTer II, Zanele Muholi
LiTer II is a photograph from the solo exhibition, MO(U)RNING, presented by photographer Zanele Muholi. Muholi’s work mainly focuses on the lives of African lesbians, with the aim of giving a voice to this often-overlooked community, in addition to raising awareness of homophobic violence. In 2012, Muholi’s Cape Town apartment was robbed in what appeared to be an attack against her activism. Although a large portion of her photographs, videos, and text were lost, this expressive image was among the material that remained.
Danse à la campagne, Pierre Auguste Renoir | © VgGZ23KguWb7HQ at Google Cultural Institute/WikiCommons
Danse à la campagne (Country Dance), Pierre Auguste Renoir
Pierre Auguste Renoir’s wife, Aline Charigot, was the model for the woman depicted in this 1883 oil on canvas painting. The dancing couple in the scene is shown with a messy table behind them, while the man’s hat seems to have been dropped on the floor beside them. These small touches create the impression that the couple is completely lost in the music and one another. The painting was designed as a pair with Danse à la ville (City Dance), which further emphasizes the light-heartedness of the country dancers through its contrast with the more restrained city dancers.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It’s the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world. I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I’m traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
See Our Culture Trips
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel – and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special. Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together. Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family. We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm – and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset – and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Black Friday Offers on Our Trips
Incredible Savings
Culture Trip uses an independent third party trust account held by PT Trustees Limited in accordance with the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations.
CUSTOMER SERVICE US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 [email protected] © Copyright 2023 The Culture Trip Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Debug
- Post ID: 573676
- Sponsored? No
- View Payload
The Most Evocative and Influential Paintings about Love
As Rihanna once sang, we’ve got love on the brain. So it seems to be the perfect moment to take a journey through the world of famous portraits in search of the most beautiful, moving, tender, sexy, subversive, evocative and influential works on paper about love and romance in all of its many guises and forms. Have a look at our curated list of some of the most influential and evocative paintings throughout history on the subject of love and romance.
Beautiful and Evocative Portraits of Love and Romance
It’s no surprise that throughout history, love has been one of the most frequently and most beautifully depicted subjects by painters. After all, what could be more romantic than the act of trying to capture on canvas a feeling that is at once so elusive and so universal?
Here are some of the most beautiful, evocative and influential portrayals of love and romance in paintings from throughout history. Right up to the current day, brilliant artists have found new ways to express the power and mystery of desire, commitment and love.
1. The Honeysuckle Bower, 1609, Peter Paul Rubens
This iconic painting is a self-portrait of the painter and his wife, Isabella Brant. The honeysuckle in the image serves as a symbol of marriage and love, as does the clasp of their hands.
Beautiful and influential paintings about love and romance: The Honeysuckle Bower, 1609, Peter Paul Rubens. Photo Courtesy of the Alte Pinakothek, Munich.
2. Still Life with Wedding Portrait, 2015, Kerry James Marshall
Another powerful painting of the enduring love between a married couple, Still Life with Wedding Portrait (2015) depicts the abolitionist Harriet Tubman posing with her first husband, John Tubman. We had the joy of seeing this work in person when it was part of the Kerry James Marshall Mastry exhibit at the Met Breuer in 2017. The tenderness and love between the two subjects is almost palpable, and this painting has remained in our memories since we first saw it.
Beautiful and influential paintings about love and romance: Still Life with Wedding Portrait, Kerry James Marshall.
We think of Harriet Tubman as a scrappy fighter and indomitable heroine. Here, the artist chooses to focus on other elements of her humanity. As one reviewer wrote: “The bow on Tubman’s crisp white blouse is tied just so and the pink of her cuff complements the pink flower accenting her hair. Meanwhile, her husband rests his hands tenderly on her shoulders. She is feminine and loved, yet her wisdom and strength remains evident in her confident gaze.”
3. The Jewish Bride, 1665-69, Rembrandt
The relationship of the people in the painting have been the subject of much debate over the years. Spectators wondered whether the duo portrayed was indeed a couple in love, or a father and daughter on the daughter’s wedding day.
Beautiful and influential paintings about love and romance: The Jewish Bride, Rembrandt.
Today, the joining of the hands has led people to suspect that it is indeed a couple, though the pair’s exact identities remain unknown. In any case, the protectiveness and care that the man displays is evident. This work is on permanent display at the Rijkmuseum in Amsterdam.
4. Cicely and Miles Visit the Obamas, 2017, Henry Taylor
Flash forward to another couple in which one is protective of the other. In one of his many stunning portraits, Henry Taylor illuminates the subtle nuances of a love affair while also celebrating social progress. In this painting, the central image is of the actress Cicely Tyson and her lover Miles Davis at the 1968 première of the film “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter.” The original image is superimposed onto the front lawn of the White House during the first term of the Obama Administration.
Beautiful and influential paintings about love and romance: Cicely and Miles Visit the Obamas, Henry Taylor.
Look closely, and you’ll see all kinds of clues about the nature of the relationship between these two lovers. The New Yorker notes: “Her hand is on Davis’s sleeve, a gesture somewhere between solidarity and protection. On the one hand, her lover is that unimpeachable thing: an American genius. On the other hand, he is a black man in America.” Tyson’s expression conveys both pride and protectiveness toward her partner – an essential element of any great love affair.
5. In Bed, the Kiss, 1892, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Some of the most affecting portraits of lovers are the ones that capture them in the simple day-to-day routines and moments that make up a life.
Beautiful and influential paintings about love and romance: In Bed The Kiss, 1892, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.
For example, Toulouse-Lautrec’s image of two women tangled in a passionate embrace is perhaps the painting that comes close to capturing love at it really appears. Here the kiss is stripped bare of all glitz and glamour, and that allows the intimacy of the connection to simply speak for itself.
6. Yvonne and James, 2017, Jordan Casteel
Similarly, the companionable affection between the two subjects is evident in the portrait Yvonne and James by Jordan Casteel.
Beautiful and influential paintings about love and romance: Yvonne and James, 2017, Jordan Casteel.
7. Skin, or Surface, Njideka Akunyili Crosby
Nigerian-born, Los Angeles-based painter Njideka Akunyili Crosby frequently takes as her subject the scenes of private life: for example, gatherings at home, or the after-leavings of parties.
Beautiful and influential paintings about love and romance: Skin, or Surface, Njideka Akunyili Crosby.
Sometimes the subject is the artist herself, at home with husband. We love the intimacy and grace of this quiet domestic portrait of two lovers, at home, laptop open on the table.
8. Figures on a Beach, 1931, Pablo Picasso
Of course, love is not always contained in marriage and in the domestic sphere. Figures on a Beach by Pablo Picasso is a remarkable abstract portrayal of passion run wild.
Famous portraits about love: Figures on a Beach, Pablo Picasso.
As one commentator noted, “it’s all arms and legs.” You can practically feel the ocean breeze blowing.
9. The Kiss, 1897, Edvard Munch
When most of us think of the painter Edvard Munch, we think of “The Scream.” And of a very dark view of life and humanity. So it may be a surprise to know that he also created a lovely and tender portrait of a couple in love.
Famous portraits about love: The Kiss, Edvard Munch.
From part of his Frieze of Life series that captures the stages of a relationship, Munch fuses the faces of the embracing couple, alluding to their solidarity.
10. Kissing Coppers, Banksy
Similarly, Banksy’s mural of two kissing policemen captures lovers caught up in the moment.
Famous portraits and works of art about love: Kissing Coppers, Banksy.
Despite its celebration of the universal feeling of passionate love, the street painting was deemed offensive by many at the time it was created. The work was famously removed from the wall of a Brighton pub and sold to a private collector.
11. Untitled (Vignette), 2012, Kerry James Marshall
One of Kerry James Marshall’s enduring contributions will be his unequivocal celebration of love and romance in the black community in so many of his works. Untitled (Vignette) is pure and sweet in its evocation of an urban romance.
Famous portraits and works of art about love: Untitled (Vignette), 2012, Kerry James Marshall.
The idyllic setting for the painting is a city park – but its really a timeless tribute to that perfect moment, when music and love are literally in the air.
12. The Kiss, 1907-08, Gustav Klimt
A painting of a love so beautiful it shines – Klimt incorporated precious metals such as gold leaf into his paints to make this image glow.
Famous portraits and works of art about love: The Kiss, Gustav Klimt.
That should come as no surprise, as this work is part of what is referred to as the artist’s “Golden Period,” inspired by the artist’s trip to Italy. It is currently on display in the Belvedere Museum in Vienna, Austria.
13. The Kiss, 1859, Francisco Hayez
Despite what you may have heard in the soundtrack of Casablanca, sometimes a kiss is more than just a kiss. For example, this painting – commissioned by Count Alfonso Maria Visconti of Saliceto – of a couple’s passionate kiss is perhaps Hayez’s best-known work.
Famous portraits and works of art about love: The Kiss, 1859, Francisco Hayez.
And there is more to it than meets the eye. The painting was commissioned at a time of political discord in Europe. The kiss is meant to symbolize the hope for an alliance between France and Sardinia. It is still on display today in the Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan.
14. Lovers Beneath an Umbrella in the Snow, 1764-77, Suzuki Harunobo
The portrait of a great love can often be tinged with a sense of melancholy, sadness and loss. In this woodblock print of the Ukiyo-e style, the expressions of Suzuki Harunobo’s lovers are tinged with sorrow. There is some question as to whether the image depicts a planned suicide pact.
Famous portraits and works of art about love: Lovers in the Snow, Suzuki Harunobo.
The presence of the umbrella creates the feeling of intimacy, as if the viewer has intruded upon a couple at a private and secret moment of grief.
15. The Lovers, 1928, René Magritte
Painted as part of Magritte’s series “Les Amants,” the image in The Lovers has many layers of meaning. The couple in question appears to be mid-kiss. But both are shrouded, separate and perhaps enveloped in secrets they’re keeping from each other – or from the outside world.
Famous portraits and works of art about love: The Lovers, 1928, Rene Magritte.
In a love affair, do we want to be fully seen and understood? Or should we always preserve an essential core of mystery and self-hood? Magritte has chosen to capture this couple in perpetual separation from one another. And yet, they seem to persistent in trying to connect. It’s an arresting portrayal of romantic love that will give you plenty to think about. You can see the painting for yourself at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
16. Self Portrait as a Tehuana, 1940-43, Frida Kahlo
With passionate love affairs, there is often a need at some point for forgiveness and redemption on the part of the partners, and Frida Kahlo captures that element in a deeply moving way.
Evocative and influential paintings about love and romance: Self Portrait as a Tehuana, Frida Khalo.
Displayed in Mexico City, this beautiful self-portrait was created by Kahlo to convey her love for Diego Rivera, who had been unfaithful to her in their relationship (as she had been to him). Their love lives on in this painting, preserved permanently in the center of Kahlo’s forehead, as well as in her art.
17. Garden with Courting Couples: Square Saint-Pierre, 1887, Vincent van Gogh
Often referred to by the artist as “the garden with lovers,” this romantic springtime painting resides at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
Evocative and influential paintings about love and romance: Garden with Courting Couples, Vincent van Gogh.
The style of pointillism evokes the budding verdant atmosphere of the season, perfect for the liberating, buoyant feeling of romantic love.
18. Les Hasards Heureux de L’Escarpolette (“The Swing”), 1767, Jean-Honoré Fragonard
Another famous painting of lovers in the spring, The Swing is considered to be one of the naughtiest and most over-the-top romantic. Currently on display at The Wallace Collection in London, the painting portrays a woman in a billowing pink dress on a crimson swing. She’s playfully tossing her shoe to her paramour, who lies beneath her wearing an adoring expression.
Influential paintings of love and romance: Les Hasards Heureux de L’Escarpolette (“The Swing”), 1767, Jean-Honoré Fragonard. Photo Courtesy of the Wallace Collection.
Behind the swing, an older gentleman is relegated to pulling the strings that propel her skyward. What’s going on here? Scholars say the woman is the mistress, the man below her is her lover, and the man with the strings is her husband. Hmm . . . The garden setting is one of the first to highlight the natural world as a place of romantic escape. The statue of Cupid just seems amused by the fun and fantasy of it all.
19. The Birthday, 1887, Marc Chagall
Chagall’s painting is in fact a depiction of his own birthday, and his embrace with his own soon-to-be-wife of the time, Bella, who was his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life.
Evocative and influential paintings about love and romance: The Birthday, Marc Chagall.
The fanciful nature of the expressionist style helps to infuse the painting with that magical, whimsical feeling that so often accompanies love. The work is currently on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
20. Danse à la campagne (Dance in the Country), 1883, Pierre-August Renoir
It seems fitting to end with an image of pure romantic joy and delight. On view at its permanent home in the Musee D’Orsay in Paris, Renoir’s famous oil painting was commissioned by the art dealer Paul Durand-Ruel.
Evocative and influential paintings about love and romance: Dance in the Country, 1883, Pierre-August Renoir. Photo Credit: Google Art Works.
Ruel had requested that the artist manifest a work on the theme of a ball, and this was the first of two works Renoir created to fulfill the commission. The couple depicted here are Paul Lhôte and Aline Charigot, Renoir’s friend and his own future wife, respectively.
Whenever we see this work, and the expression on the face of the young woman, we remember the thrill and excitement of that first dance – that first moment, when everything is possible.
The Most Beautiful Paintings about Love and Romance
That’s it – our picks for some of the most beautiful and moving paintings about the essential nature of love and romance. What’s your favorite painting on this topic?
Abbie Martin Greenbaum
Abbie Martin Greenbaum is a writer, reader, and pop culture connoisseur, who loves storytelling, coffee, and dessert. Her work has also appeared in Playbill.
