Le Baiser Donné (one of a pair) 1750 - 1760

Here we have "Le Baiser Donné," a porcelain sculpture made by the Höchst Manufactory in the 18th century. Note the central motif of the kiss, a timeless symbol of affection and betrayal. The kiss, in its various forms, carries a heavy cultural weight. Think of Judas's kiss of betrayal, a stark contrast to the tender kiss between lovers. Even in ancient Roman wedding ceremonies, a kiss sealed the marital contract, a custom echoed in countless artworks throughout history. Observe how the kiss in this sculpture evokes a sense of playful intrigue, embodying the Rococo era’s fascination with flirtation and romance. This differs greatly from earlier devotional works that used the kiss as a signifier of religious devotion. Yet, like so many symbols, the kiss is cyclical, evolving, and resurfacing in different contexts, constantly shaped by the collective memory and subconscious desires of each era.