Erik af Klint

Vice Admiral Erik Viktor Philip Gustafsson af Klint (12 March 1901 – 26 December 1981) was a Swedish Navy naval officer. Af Klint's senior commands included postings as chief of staff of the Coastal Fleet, head of Section 2 of the Defence Staff, commander-in-chief of the Coastal Fleet and commanding officer of the Naval Command East.

Early life Af Klint was born on 12 March 1901 in Stockholm, Sweden, the son of Rear Admiral Gustaf af Klint and his wife Elisabet (née Helling). He was the brother of Börje af Klint (1903–1989), artillery director at AB Bofors and Captain (N) Viktor af Klint (1904–1986). His aunt was the pioneer abstract artist Hilma af Klint. Af Klint passed studentexamen in 1920. He served as a flag adjutant from 1935 to 1938 and was promoted to lieutenant (Kapten) in 1937. He served as a teacher of tactics at the Royal Swedish Naval Staff College, a position which he held in two tours until 1942, interrupted from 1939 to 1941 by service in the Defence Staff.

In 1950, af Klint was appointed chief aide-de-camp (överadjutant) to His Majesty the King. Af Klint was promoted to captain in 1950 and served as flag captain from 1950 to 1951 and as head of Section 2 of the Defence Staff from 1951 to 1953, when he was promoted to rear admiral.

Personal life In 1934 he married Ulla Wibom (1912–2007), the daughter of Commander Ivar Wibom and Siri (née Hedblom). They had three children: Gustaf (1935–2010), Johan (born 1939) and Elisabet (born 1940).

Hilma af Klint bequeathed her entire work to her nephew Erik af Klint. In 1972 — after the Moderna Museet rejected the collection — he let a foundation take over ownership. Erik af Klint wrote in the statutes that the majority of the board should belong to the Anthroposophical Society, because the artist had a strong interest in anthroposophy.

Death Af Klint died on 26 December 1981 in Ekerö Municipality, Sweden. The funeral service was held on 8 January 1982 in Skeppsholmen Church. He was interred on 19 May 1982 at Galärvarvskyrkogården in Stockholm.

Dates of rank 19?? – Acting sub-lieutenant 1925 – Sub-lieutenant 1937 – Lieutenant 1942 – Lieutenant commander 1945 – Commander 1950 – Captain 1953 – Rear admiral 1966 – Vice admiral

Awards and decorations

Swedish

Swedish Naval Volunteers' Gold Medal (Sjövärnskårens guldmedalj)