Works depicting love can show a range of emotions and settings, presenting the different moments of romantic relationships to the audience. With some works showing great passion and sexuality, others focus on capturing small moments of tenderness and daily routine among people in love. As a result, each painting and photograph is unique, although it shows the most represented topic in art. Nevertheless, a central theme of many works is the transformative power of love.
Among the works that show small moments is the print by Suzuki Harunobu, Lovers in the Snow under an Umbrella. This work presents a quiet scene with two people standing under an umbrella covered by snow. Love, in this case, is implied but not shown in its romantic sense – the couple is simply standing close, and their faces are turned toward one another. Thus, as noted by most analyses, the depiction of subtle feelings dominates the mood of the print. The colors are quiet and minimal, using beige, light pink, and black. This work represents the inseparable bond between love and everyday life, and that romance makes every moment seem significant.
A small moment caught on camera is seen in the photograph Kiss by the Hôtel de Ville, taken by Robert Doisneau. Here, the previous example’s stillness and quietness are juxtaposed with a city’s busy crosswalk. The couple seems to be the only element of the picture that stands still, as if the time for them is not moving at the same pace as it does for the passing people and cars. Thus, this photograph captures the intensity of love and its existence outside of time and space. I feel similar to this analysis and think that passion creates unique moments that seem to stop time.
Such paintings as Le Printemps by Pierre-Auguste Cot also show how a simple embrace and a look can show the strength of love. The work shows a young couple sitting on a swing and looking at one another. The love between the young boy and girl is depicted through the couple’s poses – the girl is hugging her lover, and the two look directly into one another’s eyes. Here, the love is passionate, similar to the photograph described above, but innocent, blooming in the same way as the two young people. The theme of spring brought up by most analyses is equated to the budding feelings of young love. I would apply this idea to how young people often see their first relationship, combining devotion and passion with tenderness.
Finally, similar ideas are represented in The Kiss by Gustav Klimt. In the painting, the man is holding and kissing a woman on the cheek. She closes her eyes and smiles softly, standing on her knees. This work is most similar in its idea to the photograph by Doisneau, although it is presented differently. In the photo, the couple lives in their own moment, as shown by time and movement. Here, the couple is separated from the background by color. The clothing of the man and the woman are bright golden yellow, with patterns and flowers in their hair. In contrast, the background is muted and dark. Love brings light into these people’s lives and creates remarkable moments in time.
In conclusion, although the discussed works use different styles and mediums, they deliver a similar message: love makes every possible moment precious in people’s lives. From routine actions to romantic gestures, people in love exist in a world illuminated by their devotion. I feel similarly about the themes of love and passion. I would relate these analyses to how love can transform one’s worldview and would use this idea to guide my perception of romantic relationships as opportunities to see life in a new way.