The Kiss
The artist
Francesco Hayez, an Italian painter known for warm, romantic scenes from history.
What you see
A young couple in medieval clothes share a tender kiss on a stone staircase, holding each other close.
The story
Hayez painted this famous version in 1859, and many Italians saw it as a hopeful symbol for their country.
The style
He painted every fold of cloth so carefully that the silky blue and red clothes look real enough to touch.
Look closer
Look at the young man's foot on the step, as if he is ready to hurry away right after the kiss.
Where to see it
You can see this painting at the Pinacoteca di Brera, a famous art gallery in Milan, Italy.
Fun fact
The bright colors of the clothes were chosen to hint at the flags of Italy and France.