Kissing babies: Saintly or sexual?

Public History Student Queer Collection
Joos van Cleve, 'The Infants Christ and John the Baptist Embracing and Kissing', (c. 1530).

Mauritshuis, The Hague in long-term loan to museum Catharijneconvent, Utrecht.

‘The Infants Christ and Saint John the Baptist Embracing and Kissing’ (c. 1530)

Joos van Cleve (c. 1485 – 1540-41)

Oil on oak, 39 × 58 cm

In the sixteenth century the Antwerp painter Joos van Cleve and his workshop pupils made ten versions of the painting ‘The Infants Christ and Saint John the Baptist Embracing and Kissing’. All slightly different symbolically, vertical or horizontal, but all including the same pose of kissing babies based on lost compositions of Leonardo da Vinci. This specific painting could be interpreted as an expression of Christian art. Two holy figures are embracing and kissing in a devotional way which symbolizes the mingling of souls. The medallions from Greek Antiquity in the back promote the ideal of traditional family life.

However, last year new attention to the painting questioned this saintly interpretation. In Van Cleve’s time the Antwerp government intensified the punishment of sodomy and meanwhile same-sex desire was an upcoming theme in the arts. The passionate kiss and intimate embrace of the two male babies, originally designed by the homosexual Da Vinci, are comparable with sexual representations of heterosexual couples in late medieval art.

Joos van Cleve behind the scenes

Besides his life as a painter, Van Cleve was a man who married twice, had three children and had even an affair with a barmaid. Remarkable is that contemporaries of Van Cleve, like the famous writer Karel van Mander, wrote about him as ‘mentally disturbed’ and ‘a man who went insane’. Van Mander describes the deviant behavior of Van Cleve: “He varnished his clothing, cape and bonnet with turpentine varnish, and in his glittering costume went into the street.” In the middle ages, it was possible to ignore gender roles and Van Cleve made a self-portrait as a woman, the holy Lucretia. He also had a long-lasting friendship with Bartholomäus Bruyn, a colleague in the same atelier, who made a self-portrait with Van Cleve included. At this time same-sex friendship often overlapped with sexual relations because homosexual acts were forbidden.

In search of symbolism

Take a closer look to the different symbolic meanings in the painting by touching the different parts.

In the hands of the public

The message of art does not solely lie in the hands of the artist, but depends heavily on the opinion of the public.

How do you feel about this painting?
Strange
8 Vote
Friendly
5 Vote
Devotional
1 Vote
Sexual
6 Vote

In early modern Europe this painting gained popularity among the wealthy segment of the population. Versions were hanging on the walls of the palaces of Margaret of Austria and Francois I of France. The Dutch king Willem I bought this particular painting in 1821 for the Mauritshuis. However, the real thoughts of these people about the painting are less clear than the emotional response of the  21st century viewers. Without being informed about the possible queer interpretation, the contemporary public gave different opinions.

It is about a friendship between Christ and John the Baptist. I see the softness of Christianity.

Some of them see innocent babies while others think it is scandalous to represent babies kissing like this.

Babies are not kissing like that. It is definitely offensive and quite pornographic. Seen the fact that they are two boys it is completely not done.

Overall the public nowadays has a strange feeling when they look at this painting, because what they is see is kissing babies acting like adults. Is it saintly or sexual?

Further reading:

M. Leeflang, Joos van Cleve: a sixteenth-century Antwerp artist and his workshop (2015).

A. Pearson, ‘Visuality, morality, and same-sex desire. The infants Christ and Saint John the Baptist in Early Netherlandish art’ in: Art history 38 – 3 (2015) 435 – 461.

Back to the Gallery

162 thoughts to “Kissing babies: Saintly or sexual?”

  1. Pingback: Seeing Renaissance Love – Andrea Pearson

  4. Thank you for all of your labor on this blog. My aunt takes pleasure in getting into internet research and it is easy to understand why. Most of us hear all relating to the lively manner you present reliable information through the website and as well increase contribution from other ones on that situation then my simple princess has always been becoming educated so much. Have fun with the rest of the new year. You are always carrying out a remarkable job.

  7. My spouse and i were very fulfilled John could deal with his research by way of the ideas he gained through your web site. It is now and again perplexing to simply happen to be giving out ideas which others have been making money from. We really fully grasp we have the blog owner to thank for this. Most of the explanations you made, the straightforward blog navigation, the friendships you will make it possible to create – it’s got all astounding, and it is aiding our son in addition to us imagine that the theme is amusing, which is certainly wonderfully fundamental. Thanks for all!

  8. I do consider all of the ideas you’ve presented on your post. They are very convincing and can certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are too quick for starters. May just you please extend them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.

  9. I carry on listening to the news broadcast lecture about getting boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the most excellent site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i acquire some?

  13. Thіs is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am truly pleassant to read aⅼl at one place.
    스포츠토토365 What is Toto? Another Sports, Sports Toto A new type of sports leisure game Sports Toto is an advanced sports leisure game that enjoys analyzing sports through interest and participation in sports.

  14. It is the first time I participate in this forum, so I hope the message goes well.
    토토픽프로 What is a Proto? The proto is divided into a game and record type. Produce your own style! -Customer selectable sport game that allows you to vote according to your preference.

  15. I really appreciate this wonderful post that you have provided for us. I assure this would be beneficial for most of the people.
    토토사이트365 Players need to know which Totosite casinos are the most trusted and popular. Players are encouraged to read, review and consider the opinions of other members before entrusting real money to the online Totosite Casino.

  24. Many gamblers will agree that playing and winning real money is a far better experience at any online casino. This is why you should choose the right casino for you that suits your needs and has a quality reputation for keeping your info and money safe. Our list has the best online casinos around and they offer the top online gaming experience for gamblers of all types 온라인바둑이

  26. I love your blog. really great colors & theme. Did you develop this site yourself or did
    you employ someone to do it for you? Plz respond as I’m aiming to develop my own blog and
    would like to know where u got this from. many thanks. 온라인경마

  33. I begqn 디비 writing a blog myself in the last few days and observed loot oof blogs simply rehash old content but add very ittle of value.

  50. Hello! This post could not be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this write-up to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing! 토토

  51. Your article reflects the issues people care about. The article provides timely information that reflects multi-dimensional views from multiple perspectives. I look forward to reading quality articles containing timely information from you. Thank you for sharing this great information.
    슬롯머신사이트

  53. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it! 경마

  56. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something that I think I would never understand.

  62. Thanks For this great content. Really Enjoyed.Keep It up.We are a group of content writing services and running a community in the same niche.If anyone want content writing services then hire content writer and increase conversions for your online store.You have done a extraordinary job! 슬롯머신사이트

  74. Get a wealth of information and knowledge from your website. I admired your ability to write interestingly. Please write a lot in the future. My 먹튀검증 site has similar information. We invite you to join us.

  78. When I read your article on this topic, the first thought seems profound and difficult. There is also a bulletin board for discussion of articles and photos similar to this topic on my site, but I would like to visit once when I have time to discuss this topic. 우리카지노

  79. Hey there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after reading through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently 안전놀이터

  80. Oh, the data you’ve shared in this incredible article is just magnificent. I am definitely going to make more use of this data in my future projects. You must continue sharing more data like this with us. 토토사이트

  83. It’s always a pleasure to read your magnificent articles on this site. You are among the top writers of this generation, and there’s nothing you can do that will change my opinion on that. My friends will soon realize how good you are. 메이저놀이터

  86. Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon everyday. It’s always useful to read through content from other authors and use something from other sites. 토토디비

  88. licensed massage therapist Ashley Solis identified herself as the first woman to file litigation against the Texans star. In the process of revealing her identity, Solis went on to make a tearful statement that appeared to be aimed at Watson’s defense team, which has been
    샌즈카지노

  90. “My name is Ashley Solis. Remember that name,” Solis said. “I hope every woman or man out there who is a survivor hears my story. And I hope my story gives them courage to speak out. It has taken me a long time to get to this point
    카지노사이트

  91. to come out publicly and speak my truth. I know a lot of you are probably wondering who I was or if I even existed. I was afraid. I am not afraid anymore and I do exist. I am here to take back the power and take back control. I am a survivor of assault and harassment. Deshaun Watson is my assaulter and my harasser.”
    카지노사이트

  92. Solis identified herself as the woman in Buzbee’s first civil filing, which claimed that Watson arranged and then sexualized a massage appointment at her home business on March 30, 2020, allegedly exposing himself and touching her hand with his erect penis before she ended the session and asked Watson to leave.
    카지노사이트

  96. First of all, thank you for your post. 먹튀검증 Your posts are neatly organized with the information I want, so there are plenty of resources to reference. I bookmark this site and will find your posts frequently in the future. Thanks again ^^

  97. Hello ! I am the one who writes posts on these topics 메이저놀이터 I would like to write an article based on your article. When can I ask for a review?

  98. Your article has answered the question I was wondering about! I would like to write a thesis on this subject, but I would like you to give your opinion once 😀 메이저놀이터

  99. The article composing business is going extraordinary for me at this moment, and the vast majority of my prosperity is because of the substance that you post here. I utilize your substance to compose my articles, and the substance makes my great article incredible. 메이저놀이터

  100. Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too taking time and real hard work to make a great article but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. 토토디비

  105. Thank you so much for sharing this information, this will surely help me in my work and therefore, I would like to tell you that very few people can write in a manner where the reader understands just by reading the article once.
    파워볼

  107. I wonder why the other experts of this sector don’t notice this. You must continue your writing. I’m sure, you’ve a huge readers’ base already! want to learn more? click the link here:
    릴게임

  108. That is a good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Brief but very accurate info… Many thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!
    오피

  131. A very awesome blog post. We are really grateful for your blog post. combat, law enforcement You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. I was exactly searching for. Thanks for such post and please keep it up. Great work.
    스포츠토토 배당률

  132. Can I simply say what relief to get somebody that in fact knows what they’re dealing with on-line. You actually know how to bring a concern to light to make it essential. Workout . should ought to see this and can see this side of your story. I cant think you’re less well-known simply because you definitely hold the gift.
    한국야동

  135. Easily, the article is actually the best topic on this registry related issue. I fit in with your 토토사이트 and will eagerly look forward to your next updates. Just saying thanks will not just be sufficient, for the fantastic lucidity in your writing. I will instantly grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates

  136. Yes i am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article.I will make sure to be reading your blog more. You made a good point but I can’t help but wonder for 토토사이트, what about the other side? !!!!!!Thanks

  159. Excellent post, very informative. I wonder why the other specialists of this sector don’t notice this. You must continue your writing. I’m sure, you have a great readers’ base already! 파친코

  160. I finally found what I was looking for! I’m so happy. 사설토토사이트 Your article is what I’ve been looking for for a long time. I’m happy to find you like this. Could you visit my website if you have time? I’m sure you’ll find a post of interest that you’ll find interesting.

  161. As I am looking at your writing, 먹튀검증사이트 I regret being unable to do outdoor activities due to Corona 19, and I miss my old daily life. If you also miss the daily life of those days, would you please visit my site once? My site is a site where I post about photos and daily life when I was free.

  162. I finally found what I was looking for! I’m so happy. 사설토토사이트 Your article is what I’ve been looking for for a long time. I’m happy to find you like this. Could you visit my website if you have time? I’m sure you’ll find a post of interest that you’ll find interesting.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.