Group IV, No. 3. The Ten Largest, Youth (1907)
Hilma af Klint's Group IV, No. 3. The Ten Largest, Youth is a vibrant large-scale painting created in 1907, embodying the essence of youth through energetic spirals and bright colors. As part of 'The Ten Largest' series, this artwork explores the stages of life influenced by spiritualism, reflecting af Klint's deep metaphysical inquiries. Originally crafted using tempera on paper and later mounted on canvas, its monumental presence has captivated viewers and scholars alike. This significant piece, once hidden from the art world, plays a pivotal role in the history of abstract expressionism.
Year 1907
About the Artwork
Hilma af Klint, a trailblazer in the world of abstract art, created 'Group IV, No. 3' during a transformative period in her life. In just three months, she produced the entire 'The Ten Largest' series, which examines the stages of human life. The painting channels her spiritual beliefs, drawn from her engagement with spiritualism and the occult. Guided by spirits, af Klint infused her work with rich symbolism, intertwining her artistic vision with deeper metaphysical meanings. Though the series was largely unrecognized during her lifetime, a resurgence in interest began in the 1980s, ultimately reaching a pinnacle with the Guggenheim exhibition, which reinstated her status as a pioneer of abstract art.
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Did You Know
Hilma af Klint is often regarded as one of the first abstract artists, creating works that predate those of more widely recognized figures such as Wassily Kandinsky and Kazimir Malevich.
Af Klint claimed her work was inspired by spiritual entities, believing that she was guided by spirits, including figures named Georg, Ananda, and Amaliel, which deeply influenced her artistic process.
Hilma af Klint envisioned her ‘Ten Largest’ series to be displayed in a circular layout within a temple she designed, symbolizing the interconnectedness of the life stages depicted in her art.
