19th Century: Lilith by Kenyan Cox

The painting entitled Lilith by Kenyan Cox is another 19th century depiction of the demon. Done in two panels, the top panel depicts a scene similar to the work of John Collier with the serpent wrapped around her, seemingly kissing a pale woman with presumably blonde hair. The second panel depicts the temptation of Adam and Eve as well as their expulsion from Eden, eerily similar to the painting done by Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Here, Lilith and the snake are transformed into one, offering temptation.

19th Century: Lady Lilith by D.G. Rossetti

In addition to numerous poems about Lilith, D.G. Rossetti also produced two paintings entitled “Lady Lilith.” One piece is an oil painting, the other done in water colours. The painting depicts a pale woman in a floral setting, combing her blonde hair and staring at a mirror. There is almost an ethereal quality to her, and the floral surroundings are vaguely reminiscent of the Garden of Eden. In addition she is dressed in white, eluding a connotation of purity, which is a far cry from the depictions of Lilith that we’ve encountered so far. Compare to John Collier’s Lilith painting where she is nude with the snake wrapped around her.

Lilith – John Collier

Art is another area that Lilith received prominence in, especially after the pre-Ralphite movement. The painting in question here is entitled Lilith and was done by John Collier. Like other paintings done of Lilith during the 19th century, namely the works of D.G. Rossetti, Lilith is portrayed as pale, blonde and beautiful. However, in this particular piece she is also nude, displaying her naked body with a snake tastefully wrapped around her body, covering her privates. The snake and the background suggests that this painting is set in the garden of Eden, but Lilith is the main focus. She is beautiful to be sure, but there is a sense of danger about her and she is a sensual and sexy woman. This a high contrast to D.G. Rossetti’s Lady Lilith painting where she is fully clothed and has am almost ethereal quality to her, sitting in her beauty and combing her hair.