Altarpiece No 2 1915 by Hilma Af Klint
Altarpiece No 2
Part of Af Klint's groundbreaking The Ten Largest series, this 1915 abstract masterwork translates spiritual themes into geometric form. Each framed print captures the original's luminous palette and precise composition.
About This Work
Altarpiece No 2 occupies a pivotal position within Hilma Af Klint's The Ten Largest series, created in 1915. This sequence of paintings represents the artist's most ambitious exploration of spiritual abstraction, where each canvas serves as a visual meditation on existence and transcendence. The work's geometric vocabulary—circles, spirals, and intersecting lines—reflects Af Klint's engagement with Theosophical concepts and her participation in séances that sought to channel divine knowledge through artistic creation.
The composition's dominant yellow tones evoke celestial light, while the central spiral form suggests both cosmic expansion and inward contemplation. Af Klint's meticulous notation system, visible in her preparatory sketches, indicates that each element carries specific symbolic meaning, though she intentionally left the interpretations open to individual experience. This deliberate ambiguity allows the artwork to function as a personal altarpiece for contemporary viewers, inviting quiet reflection on the boundaries between material and spiritual realms.
The Artist's Abstract Period
By 1915, Hilma Af Klint had fully immersed herself in abstract experimentation, producing works that preceded the more celebrated abstractions of Kandinsky and Mondrian by several years. Her artistic development during this period was profoundly influenced by her involvement in the spiritualist group De Fem (The Five), where automatic drawing sessions yielded the first glimpses of her mature abstract language. Unlike her contemporaries who arrived at abstraction through formalist concerns, Af Klint's non-objective imagery emerged from a conviction that visual art could serve as a conduit for higher consciousness.
The Altarpiece series specifically represents Af Klint's attempt to synthesize her spiritual beliefs with artistic innovation. These works were never intended for public exhibition during her lifetime, created instead as private devotional objects for a future temple she envisioned. This context explains the paintings' monumental scale and meditative quality, qualities that translate remarkably well to the intimate format of a framed print.
Artistic Technique
Composition
Af Klint employs a carefully balanced asymmetrical structure, with the central spiral offset to create visual tension. The surrounding geometric elements—squares, triangles, and arcs—are arranged according to numerical ratios that recall both sacred geometry and the artist's scientific training.
Color Theory
The palette's dominant yellow, tempered by cool blue accents, creates an optical vibration that appears to illuminate from within. Af Klint's layering of translucent glazes—reproduced faithfully in our archival printing process—gives the surface a luminous quality that changes with viewing conditions.
Print & Frame Details
| Artist | Hilma Af Klint |
| Original Year | 1915 |
| Art Style | Abstract |
| Subject Matter | Spiritual composition |
| Size | 30×40 cm (12×16 inches) |
| Print Method | Giclée on Hahnemühle German Etching paper |
| Paper | 310 gsm archival matte |
| Frame | Handcrafted solid wood with conservation glazing |
| Glazing | UV-protective acrylic |
| Shipping | Free worldwide, 5–10 business days |
| Returns | 30-day policy, no restocking fees |
Own This Abstract Masterwork
Experience Hilma Af Klint's visionary composition as a museum-quality framed print. Each piece arrives ready to hang with complimentary global shipping.
View Print DetailsInterior Design Guide
The 30×40 cm format of this print makes it ideally suited for intimate spaces that invite contemplation. Consider positioning it above a writing desk or meditation area where the warm yellow tones can interact with natural light. The abstract composition complements both modern interiors—particularly those with clean lines and neutral palettes—and more traditional settings where it can serve as a striking contrast to antique furnishings. For optimal visual impact, allow at least 50 cm of wall space around the frame.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the frame included with the art print?
Yes, each print comes complete with a premium frame included in the price. Our frames are crafted from solid wood and feature archival-quality glazing to protect the artwork.
Do you offer free shipping to my country?
We provide complimentary worldwide shipping to all destinations with no minimum purchase required. Delivery typically takes 5–10 business days depending on your location.
How long will the colors remain vibrant?
Our prints utilize archival inks on museum-quality paper, ensuring color stability for 75+ years under normal lighting conditions when displayed away from direct sunlight.
What is your return policy?
We accept returns within 30 days of delivery. To be eligible, the print must be returned in its original condition with all packaging intact.
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