Bodily embrace.IT IS NOT EASY TO SAY EXACTLY WHAT LOVE IS. The Kiss might seem a perfect illustration: the passionate emotional and physical involvement of two people. In the intensity of their embrace, Klimt's couple have become one, fused together by their mutual ardor ar·dor n. 1. Fiery intensity of feeling. See Synonyms at passion. 2. Strong enthusiasm or devotion; zeal: "The dazzling conquest of Mexico gave a new impulse to the ardor of discovery" . Is this love? Or is it only the appearance of love? Are they giving to each other, or using each other? Are they concerned with the body as integral to the self, or just the body as an instrument? When they part, the two robed forms withdrawing once again into separateness, will each feel greater reverence for the personality of the other or not? A bodily embrace is very precious, but its real value depends upon what it signifies. SISTER WENDY BECKETT Sister Wendy Beckett (born February 25 1930) is a South African-born British art expert, consecrated virgin and contemplative hermit who became an unlikely celebrity during the 1990s, presenting a series of acclaimed art history documentaries for the BBC. of Norfolk, England, well-known for her BBC BBC in full British Broadcasting Corp. Publicly financed broadcasting system in Britain. A private company at its founding in 1922, it was replaced by a public corporation under royal charter in 1927. and PBS PBS in full Public Broadcasting Service Private, nonprofit U.S. corporation of public television stations. PBS provides its member stations, which are supported by public funds and private contributions rather than by commercials, with educational, cultural, television art series and her popular art books. Reprinted with permission from: Sister Wendy's Book of Meditations (DK Publishing, 1998;888-342-5357). Painting: The Kiss, 1908, Gustav Klimt Noun 1. Gustav Klimt - Austrian painter influenced by art nouveau (1862-1918) Klimt , Osterreichische Galerie, Vienna. |
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