Altarpiece No. 1 Group X 1915

Hilma af Klint’s "Altarpiece No. 1, Group X" presents a compelling synthesis of geometric forms and radiant color. The composition is dominated by a golden sun disc and a tiered pyramid, symbols laden with ancient and mystical significance. The sun, a universal emblem of enlightenment, mirrors the gold halos of Byzantine icons, its rays evoking divine illumination. Beneath it, the pyramid, with its ascending layers, represents a spiritual journey, a ladder of consciousness climbing towards the apex of understanding. This symbol echoes the ziggurats of Mesopotamia, structures built to bridge the earthly and divine realms. Note how this ancient motif surfaces again and again in different guises, from the pyramids of Giza to the esoteric symbols of the Freemasons, each time embodying the human yearning for transcendence. Af Klint taps into this collective memory, creating an image that resonates with our deepest subconscious desires for knowledge and connection to the cosmos. This symbol has evolved, yet its core meaning remains—a testament to our enduring quest for spiritual ascension.