Der Kuß 1916

Gerda Wegener made this drawing, Der Kuß, with ink, brush and paper. You can see the graphic lines and simple palette, with its emphasis on light and dark, and how this lends itself to a stylized depiction of romance. I imagine Wegener carefully considered the balance between line and space, to create a feeling of intimacy and longing. The man and woman embrace under an arch of flowers, their bodies entwined with a golden sash. It’s like they are suspended in a private world, framed by a garland of dreamy blooms and decorative motifs. There’s an erotic charge between the couple, as they lean in to kiss each other. It has a tender feeling. Wegener worked across a variety of subjects and styles, but she was always dedicated to exploring themes of gender, sexuality, and identity. Artists like Wegener teach us that painting can be a way of understanding ourselves and the world around us. It is a kind of conversation, echoing through time.