Anthoxanthum odoratum (Sweet Vernalgrass), Culicidae (Mosquito), Myrmica rubra (European Fire Ant). Sheet 37 from the portfolio Nature Studies by Hilma af Klint is a meticulous drawing executed using watercolor, pencil, ink, metallic paint, and gouache on paper. This piece belongs to the Nature Studies, a specific body of work consisting of 46 detailed drawings created by the Swedish artist in 1920. This particular sheet is precisely dated to May 27–29, 1920, grounding the work in a specific moment of intense observation.
The drawing showcases three distinct elements of the natural world: the Sweet Vernalgrass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), the Mosquito (Culicidae), and the European Fire Ant (Myrmica rubra). Klint renders these subjects with a scientific precision reminiscent of botanical and entomological illustrations, yet the composite arrangement and subtle application of media, particularly the metallic paint, suggest a deeper, symbolic purpose beyond mere documentation. The work functions as a study of interconnected life forms, reflecting the early abstract painter’s foundational interests in theosophy and the systematic ordering of the universe.
Though Klint is internationally recognized for her pioneering abstract canvases, drawings like this demonstrate the rigorous observational practice that informed her spiritual and non-objective explorations. The existence of the expansive 46-sheet portfolio underscores the significance the artist placed on integrating the observed world with esoteric thought. This drawing provides crucial insight into the intellectual rigor of the Swedish pioneer during the latter part of her career. The original work is housed in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, ensuring its preservation for scholarly study. Today, the enduring legacy of the artist means that high-quality prints and reproductions of her studies are frequently encountered, broadening the audience for this vital body of work.
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