Kisling was born in Krakow, Austria-Hungary (now Poland) and showed early artistic talent. He enrolled at the Krakow Academy of Fine Arts at 15, studying under Józef Pankiewicz. At 19, he moved to Paris, then the hub of artistic creativity. In Paris, Kisling joined the vibrant artistic community, living in the Bateau-Lavoir in Montmartre, alongside artists like Picasso and Modigliani. In 1911, he traveled to Céret with Picasso and Max Jacob, a village significant to Fauvism. During World War I, Kisling served in the French Foreign Legion and, after being wounded at the Battle of the Somme, was granted French citizenship in 1915.
Kisling's career took off in 1919 with an exhibition at Galerie Druet in Paris.
In 1923, American collector Albert Barnes purchased several of his works. Kisling became a renowned artist, hosting weekly lunches for various creatives.
At the outbreak of World War II, Kisling moved to the United States, exhibiting in New York and Washington until 1946. After the war, he returned to France, settling in Sanary-sur-Mer, where he died in 1953. The street where he lived is named after him, and the largest collection of his works is at the Musée du Petit Palais in Geneva.
