Hand Kiss Collection
"The Art of Hand Kiss: A Gesture of Respect and Admiration Throughout History" Throughout history
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"The Art of Hand Kiss: A Gesture of Respect and Admiration Throughout History" Throughout history, the act of kissing someone's hand has been a powerful gesture symbolizing respect, admiration, and even submission. From royal coronations to intimate encounters, this timeless tradition has left its mark on various cultures and eras. In 1361, during the coronation of Ines de Castro as Queen of Portugal after her death, Peter I commanded all the great men in his kingdom to kiss her lifeless hand. This macabre display showcased both his love for Ines and his desire for loyalty from his subjects. Fast forward to the 17th century when hairdressing sessions became an opportunity for courtly ladies to receive delicate hand kisses. As depicted in "A woman of quality in the past century" (1778), these moments were filled with elegance and grace. The 18th-century Parisian watercolor by Louis Carrogis captures a gentleman paying tribute to a young pianist through a gentle hand kiss. This act exemplifies gallantry during that era while highlighting the appreciation for artistic talent. Even ancient frescoes tell tales of hand kisses' significance. During Pelops and Hippodamia's wedding in Greek mythology, a centaur is seen bestowing honor upon them with this tender gesture - emphasizing unity between humans and mythical beings. Moving into more recent times, Pope Pius IX visited Garibaldian prisoners at Castle Saint Angelo in Rome as depicted in an engraving from "The Illustrous Universe" (1867). His compassionate hand kiss conveyed empathy towards those who fought against him during Italy's unification struggles known as Risorgimento. Artistic representations also capture romantic encounters where hands are kissed passionately. The painted box illustrating Giovanni Boccaccio's "Decameron" (15th century) showcases messer Torello receiving affectionate gestures from admirers - showcasing love's power even during challenging times.