The Large Figure Paintings No. 5 (1907 CE)

Hilma af Klint’s De stora figurmålningarna nr. 5, or “The large figure paintings no. 5” created in 1907, is a pivotal work in the history of abstract art. This oil on canvas, measuring 150 × 118 cm or 59 x 46,5 inches, captivates with its use of white, black, yellow, and blue tones, showcasing af Klint’s unique ability to merge spiritual and artistic expression. Through its intricate geometric shapes and deliberate color choices, the painting offers a glimpse into a world beyond the visible, reflecting af Klint’s pioneering approach to abstract art.

De stora figurmålningarna nr. 5 was created during a period of intense spiritual exploration for Hilma af Klint. The painting is part of the larger series known as Målningarna till templet (“The Paintings for the Temple”), produced between 1906 and 1915. This series was the result of af Klint’s communication with spiritual guides, known as the Högmästarna (High Masters), who directed her to explore themes such as atoms, the plant world, and world religions. The overarching idea was to convey the unity of all things, transcending the dualistic nature of the visible world. The “temple” referenced in the series’ title is not a physical structure but a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment and development.

Hilma af Klint described her creative process for these paintings as being guided by an external force. She claimed that the images were “painted directly through me, without prior drawing and with great power.” Af Klint noted that she had no idea what the images would represent as she worked quickly and confidently, without altering a single brushstroke. This anecdote underscores the deeply spiritual and almost mystical nature of her artistic process, where she perceived herself as a conduit for higher truths rather than a conventional artist.

De stora figurmålningarna nr. 5 holds a significant place within the context of early 20th-century art, particularly in the evolution of abstract art. Hilma af Klint’s work predates many of the more widely recognized abstract artists, such as Wassily Kandinsky and Piet Mondrian, making her a pioneering figure in the movement. The geometric shapes in the painting are not just abstract forms but carry symbolic meanings tied to spiritual concepts, reflecting af Klint’s belief in the interconnectedness of all existence. The painting is a vivid example of how af Klint’s spiritualism was inextricably linked with her artistic innovations.

The painting De stora figurmålningarna nr. 5 is executed in oil on canvas, with dimensions of 150 × 118 cm or 59 x 46,5 inches. The artwork employs a color palette dominated by white, black, yellow, and blue tones. Each color and geometric form in the painting was meticulously chosen to convey specific spiritual meanings, making the technical aspects of the work deeply intertwined with its symbolic content.

Hilma af Klint left behind over 1,000 paintings, watercolors, and sketches, but she chose not to exhibit her abstract works during her lifetime. She believed that the world was not yet ready to fully comprehend their significance. Today, the painting is housed in The Hilma af Klint Foundation in Stockholm, Sweden.