Hilma af Klint (Oct. 26, 1862 - 1944) is considered by many to be the world’s first abstract painter. A Swedish anthroposophist, Hilma decided to paint ideas, concepts and philosophical energies, and this type of canvas was the result…
Hästar vid stallet (1855) by Carl Wahlbom (1810-1858). Oil on canvas.
The painting depicts three types of horses each with individualistic characteristics, but it also shows three horse temperaments; the alert and curious, the proud and impatient, and furthest forward in the composition the quietly submissive. Similarly to how the types show variation in movement and posture, colour is also used to characterise them. The artist has managed to paint portraits of individuals whilst highlighting something typical. Wahlbom was not satisfied with merely anatomy, forms, and movement, his animals have a psychology to them as well.
(Loos, Viggo. 1949. Carl Wahlbom. Malmö: A.-B Allhems Förlag.)