Hilma af Klint
The majestic swan symbolized the "grandeur of the spirit" to Helena Blavatsky, founder of Theosophy, a spiritualist movement of great interest to Hilma af Klint; in alchemy, the swan represents the union of opposites necessary for the creation of the philosopher’s stone, a substance believed to turn base metals into gold.
In this series, af Klint, the woman who invented Abstract Art (yes, before Kandinsky), blends such established symbolism with her own idiosyncratic interpretations. The first painting portrays two swans: one black (male, with yellow beak) and the other white (female, with blue face and feet). This stark palette underscores the dualities of light and dark, male and female, life and death.
P.S. Yes, you read right! Hilma af Klint was before Kandinsky! Learn about her life and see her amazing works!
P.P.S. This painting is featured in our 2023 Wall Calendar, which is now available with a -40% discount! :)