The Kiss at The Jardin des Tuileries, Paris

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Commissioned by France in 1888, sculpted between 1888 and 1898. Joined the Musée du Luxembourg collection in 1901; moved to the Musée Rodin in 1919. The Kiss was first intended as Paolo and Francesca from Dante's Divine Comedy: killed by Francesca's husband after he caught them sharing their first kiss, the two lovers were sentenced to roam Hell forever. This group was positioned prominently on The Gates' lower left door opposite Ugolino until Rodin decided it clashed with his massive project in 1886. He transformed the group into a standalone piece and exhibited it in 1887. Its fluid modeling, dynamic composition and charming theme made this group an instant hit. Since no details identified the lovers, the public called it The Kiss, a title that perfectly captured its universal appeal. France commissioned a larger marble version from Rodin who took nearly ten years to deliver. Not until 1898 did he agree to showcase what he called his "huge trinket" alongside his bold Balzac as if The Kiss would make it easier for the public to accept his portrait of the writer.