Date and Medium

The artwork was created in 1907, using a combination of oil, tempera, and paper as the medium.

Style and Genre

They Tens Mainstay IV is classified under the Abstract Art style and genre, reflecting af Klint's pioneering work in abstract art.

Context within Af Klint's Work

This painting is part of af Klint's larger body of abstract works, many of which were created under the influence of spiritual and mystical beliefs. Specifically, it aligns with her series of paintings known as The Paintings for the Temple , which were guided by what she believed were messages from higher spirits.

Symbolism and Technique

Af Klint's work, including They Tens Mainstay IV , often features geometric and organic forms, bold colors, and rhythmic repetitions. Her technique involved automatic drawing, where she allowed her hand to move without a predetermined goal, believing that the paintings were created through her as a conduit for higher forces.

Significance

This artwork, along with her other abstract pieces, predates the works of other famous abstract artists like Kandinsky and Mondrian, making af Klint one of the earliest pioneers of abstract art in Western history.

Public Recognition

Like much of af Klint's abstract work, They Tens Mainstay IV was not publicly exhibited during her lifetime. It was only after her death, and specifically after the stipulated 20-year period, that her work began to receive widespread recognition and acclaim.