Iris pseudacorus (Yellow Iris). Sheet 18 from the portfolio Nature Studies by Hilma af Klint is a detailed and meditative drawing executed on the specific date of July 2, 1919. This work, drawn from the larger Nature Studies portfolio comprising 46 sheets, demonstrates the Swedish artist's profound commitment to combining rigorous natural observation with her underlying spiritual philosophy. Klint rendered the Yellow Iris using a complex technique involving watercolor, pencil, and ink, further enhanced by the subtle incorporation of metallic paint on paper. This distinctive use of mixed media elevates the standard botanical drawing, suggesting an attempt to depict the intrinsic energy or subtle luminosity of the plant subject.
Although widely celebrated today as a pioneer of abstract art, Klint maintained an extensive practice of observational studies throughout her career, particularly focused on botany, zoology, and anatomy. This careful study of the Iris, originating from the artist’s immersion in Swedish culture, showcases her methodical and academic approach to documenting the natural world. The precision of the drawing provides a counterpoint to the cosmic abstractions for which she is best known, illustrating the intellectual breadth of her output during this period.
The work is important not only as a technical drawing but also as a document of Klint’s working methods, where every form, whether abstract or figurative, was approached with intense scientific and spiritual scrutiny. This particular sheet contributes significantly to understanding the artist’s broader project of visually mapping the universe, both seen and unseen.
As an essential component of the artist’s oeuvre, this piece is classified as a drawing within the prestigious collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). The importance of such detailed works has led to their increased accessibility; today, high-quality prints of Klint’s botanical studies are frequently made available through various institutions, often entering the public domain for academic study and broader public appreciation. This access confirms the ongoing relevance of Klint’s observational practice nearly a century after its creation.
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