As we are now in February, the month of love, we thought we'd look at a bit of art that helped illustrate love through the years. These paintings are beloved around the world. Each one conveys a striking story that resonates with millions because of their universal themes of love and beauty. The passion and dedication of each painter is evident with each brushstroke. I hope you enjoy this as much as I have!

This Art Nouveau painting beautifully depicts an intimate moment in shimmering yellows and golds. It's one of the most purchased posters on the internet, making it hard to believe that, when this artwork was first exhibited, it caused a scandal and was regarded as pornographic.

Chez le père Lathuille by Édouard Manet, 1879

An Impressionist work by Manet, lovingly showing the city of love's quiet neighborhood of Batignolles. This gentle setting presents a young man courting a woman in the famous restaurant and cabaret, Chez le Pere Lathuille.

 In Bed The Kiss by Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec, 1892

Bohemian Toulouse Lautrec painted this captivating Post-Impressionist artwork to show tender and sensual love. The racy subject matter shows two naked women in bed sharing a passionate kiss.

  The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli, 1486

Botticelli's magnum opus, The Birth of Venus, is one of the most recognizable works of art. This exquisite Renaissance piece was unusual for the time, as it was inspired by an ancient Homeric poem. Botticelli modeled Venus after local beauty Simonetta Cattaneo Vespucci, a married lady, with whom Botticelli was rumored to be in love. 

The Fisherman and the Syren by Frederic Leighton, 1858

British artist Frederic Leighton was inspired by a poem from the German writer Goethe in this striking painting of the fatal seduction of a fisherman by a deadly siren. In the Victorian era, many artists were fascinated by the mythical sirens. 

The Swing by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1876

Impressionist painter Renoir was renowned for his love of portraits of his Parisian friends and French society. In this delightful outdoor artwork, Renoir captures a snapshot of a demure flirtation.

The Grand Canal Venice by Édouard Manet, 1875

Manet was terribly impressed by Venice after visiting the captivating islands with fellow Impressionist artists. He lovingly painted a scene of the Grand Canal with a gondola, the city's ultimate experience for lovers.

  Flaming June by Frederic Leighton, 1895

This stunning British Pre-Raphaelite painting is housed in a museum in Ponce, Puerto Rico, after it was considered too kitsch in 1960s England. This painting by Frederic Leighton was painted with the simple intention of expressing delight in nature and beauty.

Cupid and Psyche as Children by William Adolphe Bouguereau, 1889

Inspired by the tale in The Golden Ass by Apuleius, Cupid and Psyche was one of Bouguereau’s favorite myths, which he painted often. The celebrated story describes the overcoming of great obstacles for love. 

H/T: culturainquieta.com