“The Swan (No. 17),” created by Hilma af Klint in 1915, is a symbolic abstract painting associated with the Abstract Art movement. This artwork, which is part of the collection of Moderna Museet in Stockholm, Sweden, exemplifies Klint’s avant-garde approach to art during that era.
The artwork features a composition dominated by a circular motif, which is divided equally into distinct vibrant colors. The left half of the circle is subdivided into a white and a black semicircle, demonstrating a stark contrast between light and dark. The right half of the circle encompasses a gradient of blue and yellow hues with a smaller pink circle at its center, adding a dimension of complexity and depth to the composition. The background comprises a rich, reddish-brown hue, providing a striking contrast to the central circular form. Klint’s use of geometric shapes and bold colors conveys a sense of balance and incorporates elements of symbolic meaning, which is characteristic of her innovative contributions to the Abstract Art movement.
