Eros (1907)

The second group of works in the Paintings for the Temple is titled Eros, referring to the Greek god of love associated with fertility and desire. In these paintings, Hilma af Klint introduced elements that balance the opposing forces of the masculine—represented by yellow—and feminine—represented by blue.

Just like the Large Figure Paintings—displayed in the next gallery—Eros is part of the WU/Rose Series, where the letter “W” embodies matter, the “U” alludes to the spirit, and “WU” indicates the union of dualities. The rose is often associated with the Rosicrucians, a secret order that was founded in the 17th century by Christians who were pursuing alchemy and opposed to the Church’s rigid dogma. Its main emblem is the cross surmounted by a rose, or the Rosy Cross. This was an important symbol to Af Klint and her circle; they held their séances at an altar with a cross bearing a rose at its center.