“Le Printemps” (“Springtime”), by academic French painter Pierre-Auguste Cot, is a lushly romantic vision of passionate love and timeless devotion. Cot (1837 – 1883) painted the piece in 1873, and exhibited it at the Paris Salon, where it was a resounding triumph. During the following decades, this artwork became symbolic of 19th-century emotions and taste. It has been reproduced millions of times on posters, greeting cards and household items. Originally bought by wealthy industrialist John Wolfe, the piece changed hands several times, and then disappeared. It was rediscovered 41 years later, and is now displayed in a private collection.

© Art.com