Helianthus annuus (Common Sunflower). Sheet 27 from the portfolio Nature Studies is a meticulous drawing created by Hilma af Klint in 1919. This detailed study of the common sunflower uses a combination of watercolor, pencil, ink, and metallic paint on paper, demonstrating the artist’s characteristic technical experimentation. The sheet is one of 46 drawings that compose the Nature Studies portfolio, a series which chronicles Klint’s intense investigation into botanical forms during her mature period.
Executed specifically on September 3, 1919, the drawing highlights Klint’s sustained interest in nature as a vehicle for understanding spiritual structure. The metallic paint adds an ethereal quality to the otherwise grounded subject, suggesting that the work functions beyond mere scientific illustration. Klint, a pioneering Swedish abstract artist, was deeply influenced by esoteric movements like Theosophy and Anthroposophy. Her observational studies, including the Helianthus annuus (Common Sunflower), were not intended as straightforward depictions; instead, she used them to explore the underlying vitality, energies, and symbolic resonance inherent in the natural world.
The precision required for this specific piece suggests the level of dedication Klint applied to integrating her academic training with her revolutionary spiritual concepts. Though internationally recognized for her groundbreaking work in non-objective painting, this particular drawing reaffirms Klint's versatility and her commitment to the rigorous process of documenting her sources of inspiration. This drawing serves as a critical bridge between her early figurative work and her later, purely abstract compositions. This significant Swedish contribution to modern drawing resides in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. High-quality prints of the work allow global accessibility for scholars studying Klint’s unique fusion of scientific observation and spiritual philosophy.
Important: ArtBee makes no warranties about the copyright status of this artwork. To the best of our knowledge, based on information from the source museum, we believe this work is in the public domain.
You are responsible for determining the rights status and securing any permissions needed for your use. Copyright status may vary by jurisdiction. See our License & Usage page and Terms of Service for details.