Altarpiece No. 2 (1915 CE)

Altarbilder nr.2 or Altarpiece No. 2 by Hilma af Klint, created in 1915, is an enigmatic and spiritually charged artwork that forms part of a triptych within her series “The Paintings for the Temple.” This piece, a vivid expression of her exploration into abstract art, integrates complex spiritual and theosophical ideas. Through the use of vibrant colors, geometric forms, and metallic leaf, af Klint visualizes a dual evolutionary process that connects the physical and spiritual realms, inviting viewers to contemplate the relationship between earthly existence and the divine.

Altarpiece No. 2 is the second artwork in Hilma af Klint’s altarpiece series, created in 1915 as part of her monumental project “The Paintings for the Temple.” This series was conceived during a period when af Klint was heavily influenced by the spiritual philosophies of Theosophy and Anthroposophy. The painting is closely associated with the Theosophical Society’s evolutionary theory, suggesting a bi-directional evolution—from the physical to the spiritual plane and vice versa. The altarpieces were intended to be displayed together in the sanctuary or innermost part of a spiral temple, a structure af Klint envisioned as a spiritual journey for the viewer.

Hilma af Klint envisioned a unique temple structure in a notebook dated 1930-1931, which would house her paintings. The design of the temple was nearly round, consisting of three levels connected by a spiral staircase. Visitors would ascend through the different levels, experiencing af Klint’s artworks progressively, culminating in the viewing of the “Altarpieces” in the altar room at the temple’s pinnacle. This architectural vision was intended to create “a certain power and calm,” reinforcing the spiritual journey and experience her works aimed to provide.

Altarpiece No. 2 holds a significant position within the context of early 20th-century abstract art. This piece is not just an artwork but a spiritual symbol, representing the convergence of the physical and metaphysical worlds. The use of metallic leaf in the circular form symbolizes the heavens, while the spiral, which changes colors between blue and yellow, embodies the union of male (yellow) and female (blue) energies, thereby connecting the celestial and terrestrial realms.

Altarpiece No. 2 is an oil and metal leaf painting on canvas, measuring 93 x 70 inches or 238 x 179 cm. The composition features an equilateral triangle with its apex facing downward and a circular form, both integral to the spiritual symbolism in the work. The triangle’s body is painted black, with its tip bursting into pink, yellow, and blue hues. The metallic leaf used within the circular form enhances the luminous quality of the artwork, signifying its divine elements. The spiraling connection between the triangle and the circle, alternating in yellow and blue, symbolizes the unity of opposites and the dual nature of existence.

The painting currently resides in a private collection. As one of the three artworks in af Klint’s altarpiece series, it was initially intended to be displayed with its counterparts in a spiritual sanctuary envisioned by the artist. These paintings were kept hidden for many years due to af Klint’s belief that the world was not yet ready for their understanding. It was only in recent decades that her works gained recognition as pioneering contributions to abstract art.