"As the viewer of a work of art we are often aware that we do not have full knowledge of what the artist intended or even what the artist depicted. It can be helpful to have some information about the artwork for the viewer to better understand and appreciate what he is looking at. Is the figure Théo painted simply a portrait? Or is it intended to tell more, even refer to a narrative?
In this painting the text already gives a clue. The figure has kissed someone but wants to keep it hidden. She looks directly at the viewer and thus involves him in what she wants to conceal. It is a look of understanding: don’t tell anyone what you saw. The viewer is thereby made an accomplice. They belong as much to the work of art as the mysterious and unknown lady herself."