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Wednesday, June 10, 2026 · No. 160
Artist Profile

Francesco Hayez

Francesco Hayez was a leading figure of 19th-century Italian Romanticism, celebrated for his grand historical paintings and emotionally charged political allegories. He is perhaps best known for his iconic work, The Kiss, which has become a symbol of Italian Romantic art.

Biography

Born in Venice in 1791, Francesco Hayez received his early artistic training in his hometown before moving to Rome, where he studied under the influence of Antonio Canova. He eventually settled in Milan, where he became a central figure in the city's artistic and intellectual circles, eventually serving as a professor at the Brera Academy.

Hayez is distinguished by his mastery of historical painting, which often incorporated subtle political allegories reflecting the spirit of the Italian Risorgimento. His work is characterized by a refined neoclassical technique applied to romantic subjects, ranging from dramatic historical scenes to intimate, psychologically nuanced portraits.

His legacy remains firmly established within the canon of European Romanticism, with his works frequently cited for their technical precision and their role in shaping 19th-century Italian cultural identity. His paintings continue to be held in major institutional collections across Italy, particularly in Milan.

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Notable Works

  • The Kiss · 1859Oil on canvas
  • Portrait of Alessandro Manzoni · 1841Oil on canvas
  • The Destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem · 1867Oil on canvas
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From The Cultural Signal

Uffizi Galleries Expands Collection and Exhibition Programming Through 'Disseminating Art' Project

Uffizi Galleries Expands Collection and Exhibition Programming Through 'Disseminating Art' Project

The Uffizi Galleries has expanded its permanent collection with the acquisition of Francesco Hayez’s 'Portrait of Colonel Arese Lucini in prison' and the addition of photographic self-portraits by Giuseppe Penone, Ilaria Sagaria, and Liu Bolin.

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