Rodin’s The Kiss (Sculpture)Auguste Rodin

This marble sculpture (1882–1889) by Auguste Rodin depicts Paolo and Francesca, tragic lovers from Dante’s Inferno . Originally part of The Gates of Hell , it became an iconic standalone piece. Known for its sensuality, the work captures the tension of forbidden love as the lovers’ lips nearly touch, symbolizing their interrupted passion. Multiple versions exist, including a notable bronze in Paris’s Tuileries Garden, highlighting its lasting impact on art history.