The Ten Largest, No. 4, Youth (1907)
The Ten Largest, No. 4, Youth by Hilma af Klint is a vibrant exploration of the theme of youth, created in 1907 as part of her larger series 'The Ten Largest'. The painting measures an impressive 3.28 by 2.40 meters and features bold colors, organic shapes, and spiritual symbolism. Af Klint’s innovative approach illustrates her connection to the spirit world and reflects her artistic intuition, marking her as a pioneer in abstract art.
Created in 1907
About the Artwork
Hilma af Klint was a Swedish artist who sought to bridge the gap between the material and spiritual worlds through her art. After experiencing spiritual interactions with a mystical group known as 'The Five', she felt compelled to channel these experiences into her creations. The Ten Largest, No. 4, Youth is one of the standout pieces in her ambitious series that celebrates the ages of humanity. Created spontaneously and without sketches, this artwork reflects her deep beliefs about the spiritual evolution of humans, showcasing her unique talent and foresight in abstract imagery. Despite being largely overlooked during her lifetime, af Klint's work has only recently been recognized for its pioneering contribution to modern art.
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Did You Know
Hilma af Klint is often considered one of the pioneers of abstract art, as her works predate the better-known abstract movements of the 20th century, marking her as a visionary in the art world.
Af Klint’s artistic practice was deeply rooted in her interest in spiritualism, which significantly influenced her artwork, particularly through her involvement with a group known as ‘The Five’ who facilitated séances to commune with the spirit world.
After her death in 1944, af Klint’s innovative work remained largely unknown until the late 20th century, highlighting the historical tendency to overlook female artists and their contributions to modernism.
