The First Kiss of the Sun (1886 CE)

The First Kiss of the Sun, by Jean-Léon Gérôme is a captivating portrayal of the Giza pyramids bathed in the ethereal glow of the sunrise. This oil painting transports viewers to the Egyptian desert, where the interplay of light and shadow on ancient monuments evokes a sense of timeless wonder. With its meticulous detail and luminous colors, the artwork stands as a pinnacle of Gérôme’s orientalist style, inviting exploration of its historical and artistic significance.

Jean-Léon Gérôme, a leading French academic artist, created The First Kiss of the Sun in his Paris studio in 1886, drawing on sketches from his seven trips to Egypt, the last in 1880. The painting reflects his fascination with orientalist themes, blending historical accuracy with romanticized depictions of the East. Exhibited at the prestigious Paris Salon in 1886, it captured the attention of audiences and critics alike. The artwork’s creation coincided with a growing European interest in Egyptology, spurred by archaeological discoveries and colonial encounters, which Gérôme skillfully channeled into his vivid landscapes.

The inclusion of a Bedouin camp in the foreground, juxtaposed with the ancient pyramids and Sphinx, reflects Gérôme’s interest in blending antiquity with contemporary life, a theme that fascinated viewers at the Paris Salon. Its enduring presence in exhibitions, such as at Vassar College in 1967 and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in 2014, underscores its lasting allure.

The First Kiss of the Sun holds a significant place within the orientalist movement, which romanticized and interpreted Middle Eastern cultures through a Western lens. Gérôme’s depiction of the Giza pyramids at sunrise evokes a sense of awe and timelessness, bridging ancient and modern worlds. The painting’s ethereal lighting and meticulous detail reflect the academic tradition’s emphasis on technical precision while conveying a spiritual reverence for Egypt’s monumental heritage. Art historian Gerald M. Ackerman praised it as “the most beautifully composed and painted of Gérôme’s landscapes,” highlighting its role as a masterpiece of orientalist art.

The painting is executed in oil on linen, mounted on wood, measuring 54 x 100.4 cm (21.3 x 39.5 inches). Gérôme’s technique involved detailed preliminary sketches from his Egyptian travels, which he translated into a highly finished composition in his Paris studio. The vibrant colors—golden hues of sunrise, violet shadows demonstrate his mastery of light and texture. The meticulous rendering of the pyramids and Bedouin camp showcases his academic training, with a focus on realistic detail and atmospheric effects that create a dreamlike quality.

The First Kiss of the Sun has a rich provenance, beginning with its sale through Boussod, Valadon & Cie. in 1886. It passed through notable private collections, including those of George I. Seney and P.A.B. Widener, and has been featured in major exhibitions such as the Paris Salon (1886), Vassar College Art Museum (1967), Bruce Museum (1999), and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (2014). Its enduring value was reaffirmed when it was auctioned at Christie’s in 2023, cementing its status as a coveted piece in the art market.