John Collier (1850-1934) (after) - "Lilith, 1887"

- John Collier (after), offset lithograph on heavyweight textured matte paper (approx. 300gsm, refers to paper thickness/density).

- Signed in the plate.

- Embossed stamp.

- Stamp on verso.

- Condition: excellent. Never framed, never exposed.

- Size: 43 x 74,5 cm.

- A mesmerizing and symbolically charged masterpiece, Lilith (1887) by John Collier embodies the seductive mysticism, dark romanticism and refined aesthetic language of late nineteenth-century Symbolist painting. Inspired by the legendary figure of Lilith from ancient mythology and biblical tradition, Collier presents an image of feminine beauty that is at once sensual, dangerous and hypnotically elegant, transforming the archetype of the femme fatale into one of the most iconic visions of Victorian art.

Bathed in dramatic chiaroscuro and surrounded by serpents that coil delicately around her body, the ethereal female figure radiates both vulnerability and supernatural power. The composition reflects the fascination with mythology, eroticism and psychological symbolism shared by artists such as Gustav Klimt, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Edward Burne-Jones and Aubrey Beardsley, while its timeless visual intensity continues to resonate strongly within contemporary culture alongside artists as diverse as Banksy, Damien Hirst, Karl Lagasse, Jeff Koons and Shepard Fairey.

Collier’s extraordinary technical precision, luminous skin tones and atmospheric treatment of light elevate Lilith beyond traditional academic painting into a deeply evocative psychological portrait. The work combines Pre-Raphaelite elegance with Symbolist mystery, creating a visual atmosphere that feels simultaneously classical and modern. Its refined sensuality and dark poetic mood naturally appeal to collectors drawn to the emotional power of works by Egon Schiele, Amedeo Modigliani, Salvador Dalí and even contemporary figurative art inspired by fantasy, gothic aesthetics and cinematic imagery.

The vertical composition and dramatic contrast between pale flesh and shadowy forest background give the painting a remarkable decorative presence, making it especially desirable for luxurious interiors, sophisticated contemporary spaces and collections focused on mythology, femininity and symbolism. The serpentine forms that envelop the figure create an almost hypnotic rhythm, reinforcing the themes of temptation, transformation and forbidden beauty that have fascinated audiences for generations.

Today, Lilith remains one of John Collier’s most admired and recognisable works, celebrated for its masterful fusion of Victorian refinement, mythological symbolism and sensual modernity. A timeless image, it bridges the worlds of classical painting and contemporary visual culture.