Francesco Hayez came from a poor Venetian family and from childhood he demonstrated an inclination for drawing. His mother sent him to live with her sister who was much better off financially and married to an art dealer. Recognizing his talent, when he was a young man they sent him off to study with the painter Francesco Maggiotto with whom he continued his studies for three years.
By 1823, he was working in Milan, and his oeuvre explored biblical and fictional narratives, with an interest in depicting Italian historical scenes. Often his compositions explored contemporary political and social issues, set in a historical context.
Among Francesco Hayez best works are The Kiss and this painting has kept growing in esteem since then. Evaluation of Francesco Hayez career is complicated because he often did not date or sign his artwork.
Francesco Hayez lived long and productive life. His output spanned both historic paintings and more appealing subjects that would have appealed to his patrons. One of his favorite themes was a semi-nude woman. Often they were, like his Odalisque, suggestive of oriental themes, which had been a favorite topic of Romantic paints. The depictions of harems and their women allowed them the ability to paint scenes not acceptable in their society.
After a long a fulfilling life, Francesco Hayez died on December 21, 1882, at the age of 91, in Milano, Italy.