Lady Lilith

Lady Lilith: A Masterpiece by Dante Gabriel Rossetti

"Lady Lilith" is a remarkable oil painting by the renowned artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti, created between 1866 and 1868. Initially, the model for this work was Fanny Cornforth, but in 1872-73, Rossetti revised the painting to incorporate the face of Alexa Wilding. The artwork captures Lilith, a figure often associated with seduction and malevolence, as a powerful and alluring temptress.

The painting was originally commissioned by Frederick Leyland but eventually came into the possession of Samuel Bancroft, who later donated it to the Delaware Art Museum. Today, "Lady Lilith" is displayed alongside another of Rossetti's masterpieces, "Sibylla Palmifera." While "Lady Lilith" exemplifies physical beauty, "Sibylla Palmifera" symbolizes spiritual beauty, creating a compelling juxtaposition of body and soul.

Rossetti's "Lady Lilith" is replete with symbolism and meticulous detail. The painting features an array of flowers, a densely adorned space, and a captivating mirror that reflects both the interior and exterior worlds. White roses in the artwork signify sensuous love, whereas poppies hint at sleep and forgetfulness. The portrayal of Lilith as a sexually liberated woman has also been interpreted through feminist lenses.

"Lady Lilith" has been exhibited in several prestigious locations, including London, Philadelphia, Tokyo, and Washington, D.C. Accompanying the painting is Rossetti’s sonnet, adding a literary dimension to the visual art.

"Sibylla Palmifera" which complements "Lady Lilith" is also paired with its own sonnet by Rossetti. The two paintings were notably presented together in Algernon Charles Swinburne's "Notes on the Royal Academy Exhibition" in 1868.

Over the years, "Lady Lilith" has sparked some controversy, particularly regarding its authorship, with claims that certain works attributed to Rossetti were actually painted by his assistants. Despite these debates, "Lady Lilith" remains a significant piece in Rossetti’s oeuvre, showcasing his unique style and thematic depth.