The Kiss sculpture was originally called Francesca da Rimini, in honor of the noble Italian lady of the 13th century depicted on it, whose name was immortalized by Dante's Divine Comedy.
The lady fell in love with her husband's younger brother Giovanni Malatesta, Paolo. After falling in love while reading the story of Lancelot and Guinevere, they were discovered and then killed by her husband. On the sculpture, Paolo can be seen holding a book in his hand. The lovers do not actually touch each other with their lips, as if hinting that they were killed without committing a sin.
By portraying female characters in his own way, Rodin pays homage to them and their bodies. His women are not just in the power of men, they are equal partners in the passion that has gripped both.