The painting 'Il Bacio' (The Kiss) by Francesco Hayez, created in 1859, depicts a medieval couple kissing, with an emphasis on the act rather than their identities. Commissioned by Count Alfonso Maria Visconti, the artwork features shadowy figures in the background suggesting conspiracy and danger. Hayez, an Italian painter known for his romantic historical images, was trained in Rome and produced several notable works throughout his career.

1. THE KISS
(Il bacio)
By Clara

2. THE PICTURE
 The name of the Picture is Il Bacio (The Kiss),
whose was painting by Francesco Hayez
 The painting represents a couple from
the Middle Ages, embracing while they kiss
each other. The girl leans backwards, while the
man bends his left leg so as to support her,
simultaneously placing a foot on the step next to
him as though poised to go at any moment. The
couple, though at the center of the painting, are
not recognizable, as Hayez wanted the action of
the kissing to be at the center of the
composition. In the left part of the canvas
shadowy forms lurk in the corner to give an
impression of conspiracy and danger.

3. THE ARTIST
 Francesco Hayez painted this picture in 1859, he
presented the picture at the Pinacoteca di Brera on
9 September. The picture was commissioned by
Count Alfonso Maria Visconti of Saliceto.
 Francesco Hayez was an Italian painter and
printmaker, famous for his portrait painting and
historical Romantic images. The son of a French
fisherman, he was introduced to painting by one
of his uncles, an antique dealer, Francesco
Binasco. His uncle had wanted Hayez to become
a painting restorer. In 1809 he won a scholarship
that allowed him to study in Rome, where he
studied both Antique art and the works
of Raphael.
Francesco Hayez

4. Laocoonte (Laocoon)
1812
OTHER PAINTINGS
Amores de Rinaldo y Armida
(Loves of Rinaldo and Armida)
1812-1813
Magdalena penitente
(Penitent Magdalene)
1825

5. Acusación secreta
(Secret accusation)
1847-1848
Retrato de Antonietta Negroni Morosoni
(Portrait of Antonietta Negroni Morosoni)
1858
Venus con dos palomas
(Venus with two pigeons)
1830