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Lesson 3. The Kiss. Klimt.



Before we read the text, do you know this painter? Have you been to Vienna to see his art?

Please read the text about this famous painting (focus on words in bold):

Klimt’s The Kiss

Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss is one of the most famous paintings in the world. It was created in 1907 during what is known as Klimt’s "Golden Phase." The painting shows a couple wrapped in a golden robe, sharing a gentle kiss. You can see the man leaning forward, while the woman closes her eyes peacefully. Many believe this painting might symbolize love, passion, and unity.

Klimt used gold leaf to make the painting shine, which must have been a challenging technique. He may have been inspired by Byzantine mosaics, which also used gold. People say Klimt wanted to create something timeless and magical, and he certainly achieved that.

Some think the couple in the painting could represent Klimt and a woman he loved, although this has never been proven. Another theory is that it was meant to celebrate the power of love itself.

When the painting was first shown, people couldn’t stop talking about it. Some thought it was too bold, while others said it should be praised for its beauty. Today, The Kiss can still be seen in the Belvedere Palace in Vienna. If you visit, you must take a moment to admire its golden glow and feel the emotions it conveys.
Fill in the blanks:
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Gustav Klimt created The Kiss during his "______ Phase" in 1907.
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Klimt used ______ leaf to make the painting shine.
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The painting shows a couple wrapped in a golden ______, sharing a kiss.
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Some believe the couple in the painting might symbolize ______, passion, and unity.
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Today, The Kiss can be seen in the ______ Palace in Vienna.
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Vocabulary
Vocabulary for The Kiss
unity - the state of being united or joined as a whole.
единство, единение
gold leaf - gold that has been beaten into a very thin sheet, used in gilding.
сусальное золото, золотая фольга
bold - (of a person, action, or idea) showing a willingness to take risks; confident and courageous.
(of a colour, design, or shape) having a strong, vivid, or clear appearance.
дерзкий, храбрый
to convey - make (an idea, impression, or feeling) known or understandable.
сообщать, выражать, передавать
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Modal verbs
are placed first in the verb phrase (after the subject) and are followed by a verb in the base form.

These are the most common Modal verbs:

can (could)
may (might)
must (must)
shall (should)
will (would)

Modal verbs
cannot be used with another modal verb

ATTENTION!
The verbs that follow modal verbs should only be in their base form. They should never be conjugated into another form, including the infinitive.

DO NOT USE TO AFTER MODAL VERB

Grammar: Modal verbs
Vocabulary
Vocabulary Modal verbs
can - be able to. ("they can run fast") be permitted to. ("you can use the phone if you want to") have the opportunity or possibility to.
может
could - used to indicate possibility. ("they could be right")
used in making suggestions or polite requests. (could you give me a cup of tea?)
мог
may - expressing possibility. ("that may be true")
used to ask for or to give permission. (May I open the window?)
может
might - used to express possibility or make a suggestion. ("this might be true")
может быть
must - be obliged to; should (expressing necessity). ("you must show your ID card")
expressing an opinion about something that is logically very likely. ("there must be something wrong")
должен, нужно, обязан
will (Shall for I and we) - expressing the future tense.
будущее время
should - used to indicate obligation, duty, or correctness, typically when criticizing someone's actions. ("he should have been careful")
used to indicate what is probable. (10 dollars should be enough)
должен
would - used to give advice. ("I wouldn't drink that if I were you")
expressing a desire or inclination. ("I would love to work in America")
expressing a polite request. ("would you pour the wine, please?")
бы (не мог бы ты, я бы хотел...)
What do you remember? (Modal verbs)
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The Kiss ______ be seen at the Belvedere Palace in Vienna.
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 The couple in the painting ______ symbolize love and unity.
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 Klimt ______ be admired for his use of gold leaf.
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Visitors ______ take time to admire the beautiful details.
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 Klimt ______ have been inspired by Byzantine mosaics.
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People ______ still feel the emotions in this artwork today.
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The Kiss ______ remain one of the most famous paintings in the world.
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If you visit Vienna, you ______ see this masterpiece in person!
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Challenge yourself: The Scandalous Story Behind Klimt's 'The Kiss'!
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Challenge yourself: The Scandalous Story Behind Klimt's 'The Kiss'!
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In the world of art there are masterpieces that transcend time captivating the imagination and stirring the soul. One such Masterpiece is Gustaf Klimt's iconic painting The Kiss. But behind the Gilded beauty of this masterpiece lies a scandalous tale of love, passion and controversy, that unfolded in the early 20th century.

Our story begins in Vienna Austria at the turn of the 20th century. Gustaf Klimt, an Austrian symbolist painter, was at the height of his artistic prowess. Klimt was known for his provocative and sensuous depictions of the human form, but it was his muse, Adele Block Bower, who would inspire one of his most celebrated works. Adele Bower, a refined and enigmatic woman, was the wife of a wealthy industrialist and a patron of the Arts. Klimt found in her an ethereal muse and their collaboration would give birth to The Kiss.

As Klimt’s brush danced across the canvas capturing the intimate embrace of two lovers entwined in gold leaf… Whispers of a scandalous affair began to circulate. Adele Bower, the wife of a prominent Vienes businessman found herself entangled in a clandestine relationship with the artist.

The hushed rendezvous, secret letters and stolen glances fueled the fire of speculation. The artist and his muse dared to challenge the society norms of their time creating a passionate liaison that would echo through the ages.

In 1907 the masterpiece was completed - a shimmering testament to love and desire. The kiss was unveiled to the world showcasing Klimt’s unique blend of symbolism and sensuality. Little did the world know that behind the radiant canvas lay a tail of forbidden love that would soon shake the foundations of Vienna's High Society.

The scandal erupted when Adele Bower's husband, Ferdinant, discovered the truth about the affair. Outraged and humiliated, he demanded the return of the artwork setting the stage for a legal battle that would captivate the world. The courtroom became a stage for the collision of societal expectations and artistic freedom. The battle over The kiss would not only test the boundaries of love and fidelity, but also challenge the very definition of Art.

In 1912 the courts ruled in favor of Ferdinand and The Kiss was reluctantly returned to its rightful owner. However the scandal had forever altered the perception of the masterpiece: the golden glow of passion and forbidden love that once emanated from the canvas was now overshadowed by the darker hues of scandal and betrayal.

The kiss endures as a testament to the complexities of human emotion and the fragility of societal expectations. Gustav Klimt’s masterpiece continues to cast its enchanting spell on Art enthusiasts worldwide, reminding us that behind every stroke of the brush lies a story sometimes scandalous, always compelling.

As we gaze upon the gilded lovers in their eternal embrace let us not forget the passion and turmoil that birthed this timeless masterpiece. For in the world of art, as in life, the most captivating stories are often those that lie hidden beneath the surface.

Vocabulary
Vocabulary for the video
masterpiece - a work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship.
шедевр
to transcend - be or go beyond the range or limits of...surpass (a person or achievement).
превосходить, переступать пределы
captivating - capable of attracting and holding interest; charming.
(to captivate - attract and hold the interest and attention of; charm.)
захватывающий, очаровательный, пленительный
to stir the soul - to cause excitement and enthusiasm; uplifting.
волновать душу
Gilded - covered thinly with gold leaf or gold paint.
позолоченный
controversy - prolonged public disagreement or heated discussion.
полемика, спор
to unfold - open or spread out from a folded position.
(of events or information) gradually develop or be revealed.
раскрываться, развертываться
sensuous - relating to or affecting the senses rather than the intellect.
чувственный
Fill in the blanks (Use the video as reference) :
Take the quiz
In the world of art there are masterpieces that transcend time captivating the imagination and stirring ....
Next
Check
But behind the Gilded beauty of this masterpiece lies a scandalous tale of love, passion and controversy, that ..... in the early 20th century.
Next
Check
Klimt was known for his provocative and ....depictions of the human form
Next
Check
As Klimt’s brush danced across the canvas.... the intimate embrace of two lovers entwined in gold leaf
Next
Check
The hushed rendezvous, secret letters and stolen glances fueled the ... of speculation.
Next
Check
The scandal .... when Adele Bower's husband, Ferdinant, discovered the truth about the affair.
Next
Check
The golden glow of passion and forbidden love that once emanated from the canvas was now overshadowed by the darker ... of scandal and betrayal.
Next
Check
Great work! Well done!
Restart
Tilda Publishing
Questions to discuss with your teacher:
  1. Have you visited Vienna? Did you like it? What was your favorite part? If not, what would you like to see?
  2. What is your favorite painting? Why do you like it?
  3. Do you often visit local museums?
  4. Tell a story about your last visit to a museum, use Modal verbs.