The Kiss 1898

Peter Behrens created this print, "The Kiss," and it is now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Immediately, you'll notice how the two faces are not simply side by side, but intertwined, nearly symmetrical in their embrace. Behrens masterfully uses the surrounding hair not just as a decorative element but as a frame that emphasizes the union of the two figures. The looping strands create a sense of dynamism, yet the muted color palette lends a certain serenity to the image. The limited use of color underscores the graphic quality of the print, typical of the formal experimentation happening at the time. The almost abstract treatment of the figures moves away from traditional portraiture, pushing the boundaries of representation. The kiss becomes less about individual identity and more about the merging of two entities into a single form. It's an exquisite visual dance between form and content, echoing broader philosophical inquiries into unity and duality.