Hilma af Klint's The Ten Largest: Spiritual Abstraction from 1907
Between 1907 and over a span of 40 days, Hilma af Klint (1862–1944) produced The Ten Largest, a collection of ten egg tempera artworks, each measuring 10.76 x 7.87 ft (328 x 240 cm). These pieces depict the spiritual journey of humanity through various life stages: childhood, youth, adulthood, and old age. Af Klint asserted that she received guidance from spirits known as 'The High Masters' to finalize each painting within four days, aided by friends. This series is included in Paintings for the Temple. The initial two paintings showcase a blue backdrop with organic shapes, transitioning to orange for youth, light purple for adulthood, and light pink for old age. The Hilma af Klint Foundation in Stockholm, Sweden, now preserves these works, which remained private until 1952.
Key facts
- Hilma af Klint created The Ten Largest in 1907 over 40 days.
- Each painting is 10.76 x 7.87 ft (328 x 240 cm) in egg tempera.
- The series depicts four life stages: childhood, youth, adulthood, old age.
- Af Klint claimed spirits called 'The High Masters' dictated the paintings.
- She completed each painting in four days with help from two friends.
- The works are part of the larger series Paintings for the Temple.
- In 1932, af Klint sealed her works from public view for 20 years.
- The series is held by the Hilma af Klint Foundation in Stockholm.
Entities
Artists
- Hilma af Klint
Institutions
- Hilma af Klint Foundation
- Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm
- Art Gallery of New South Wales
Locations
- Stockholm
- Sweden