The Kiss, Monumental sculpture in Montparnasse Cemetery, France
Description
The Kiss is a limestone sculpture in Montparnasse Cemetery that shows two figures merged together in an embrace, carved with minimal details into a rectangular block. The work stands about 90 centimeters tall and uses only essential lines to define the two forms joining as one.
History
The sculpture was created between 1907 and 1909 by Romanian artist Constantin Brâncuși and marked a turning point away from traditional carving methods. It stands as an early example of his distinctive geometric simplification that shaped modern sculpture throughout the twentieth century.
Culture
The minimalist representation of two embracing figures shows how artists in early twentieth-century Paris moved away from detailed academic work toward simpler, more abstract forms of expression.
Practical
The sculpture sits in section 18 of Montparnasse Cemetery and is enclosed in glass to shield it from weather and damage. The location is easy to reach on foot, and the cemetery grounds allow plenty of room to walk around and view it from different angles.
Did you know?
The work keeps the original rectangular block shape from which it was carved, with only the most necessary lines showing where the two figures meet. This choice to leave the raw material visible reflects Brâncuși's belief that simplicity and directness speak louder than finished polish.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (14th arrondissement of Paris).
Bobino
344 m
Théâtre de la Gaîté-Montparnasse
332 m
Théâtre Montparnasse
302 m
Théâtre Rive Gauche
300 m
Cenotaph of Baudelaire
214 m
Théâtre d'Edgar
347 m
31-31bis rue Campagne-Première
285 m
La Comédie Italienne
282 m
Studio Raspail
221 m
Square Delambre
209 m
Jardin Yves Klein
254 m
Immeuble Studio Hôtel
283 m
Tombe Casimir Bonjour et Claude Bufnoir
77 m
Grave of Henryka Loewenhardt
82 m
Tombe de Jules Dalou
231 m
Grave of Pierre Larousse
74 m
Tombe de Maxime Vuillaume
223 m
Tombe de Pierre Lavrov
256 m
Tombe de Denis Dussoubs
216 m
Moulin de la Charité
270 m
Tombe du Professeur Choron (Georges Bernier) et Odile Vaudelle
261 m
Tombe de Charles Robert
83 m
Tombe Pierre Leroux
274 m
Tombe de la famille Proudhon
105 m
Tombe d'Agar
278 m
Tombe d'Edmond Goupil
221 m
Tombe Léon Alexandre Delhomme
180 m
Théâtre de la Gaîté-Montparnasse
338 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes