Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley), Geum rivale (Water Avens), Polygala vulgaris (Common Milkwort). Sheet 11 from the portfolio Nature Studies

Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley), Geum rivale (Water Avens), Polygala vulgaris (Common Milkwort). Sheet 11 from the portfolio Nature Studies by Hilma af Klint is a precise, meditative exploration of botanical forms created late in the artist’s career. Executed on paper using a combination of watercolor, pencil, ink, and metallic paint, this work is one of 46 drawings that constitute the Nature Studies portfolio, completed in 1919. The medium choice, merging traditional drawing techniques with the subtle sheen of metallic elements, underscores Klint’s experimental approach even when depicting conventional subjects.

The composition provides an intimate, detailed view of three distinct wildflower species native to Northern Europe. The precise rendering reflects the Swedish artist's commitment to visual accuracy, though these naturalistic studies were intrinsically linked to her spiritual practice and deep engagement with esoteric philosophies. Klint often used botanical observation as a means of accessing and documenting metaphysical realms, viewing the structures of plants as keys to universal laws.

This specific drawing was created over two days, dated June 10–11, 1919, highlighting the systematic methodology Klint employed in cataloging the forms found in nature. While stylistically grounded in realism, the detailed focus on the Lily of the Valley, Water Avens, and Common Milkwort carries the symbolic weight common in Klint’s oeuvre. These drawings stand in contrast to her purely abstract works, yet they are essential components for understanding the foundational principles of her revolutionary vision. Classified as a drawing, this significant work from the Nature Studies portfolio resides in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.