Couples in Art

This book tells the story of romantic companionship in one hundred works of art. Chronologically arranged and emotionally driven, this study of couples runs through many cultures, civilizations, and epochs. With examples from across the globe, it portrays iconic and lesser-known (yet fascinating) couples immortalized in the history of art. Whether affectionately embracing, engaged in flirtatious exchanges, seducing one another, or simply enjoying each other’s company, readers are invited into their complex world of passion, lust, and love. This celebration of these romantic relationships is expressed through sculptures, paintings, photographs, tapestries, stained glass, and illustrations. Gathered together are representations of couples from ancient cultures (Amenophis IV and Nefertiti), the Middle Ages (Tristan and Isolde), and the Renaissance (Paolo and Francesca). The book also covers contemporary pairs such as John Lennon and Yoko Ono or Gilbert and George, and artists such as Manet, Gainsborough, Renoir, Metsys, Rembrandt, Rubens, Blake, Moore, and Munch, to name but a few. The artists offer us an extensive selection of couples: from history, folklore, and legend, to pairs of a purely fictional nature. This variety of artistic means and vision results in a charming and irresistible collection. Art historian Agata Toromanoff has written several books on design. After running a contemporary art gallery and participating in the launch of a fashion brand, she founded a book packaging agency, Fancy Books. She also curates photography shows across Europe.