Lilith

In this tapestry “Lilith”, we see lady Lilith wrapped by a serpent, by artist John Collier from 1887. The character of Lilith was thought to be Adam’s first wife, in contrast to Eve who was derived from his ribs. This legend was developed further in the medieval period and in writings of the 13th century described her as the lover of archangel Samuel, a fallen angel and chief angel of the fifth heaven, who represents both good and evil in Talmudic legends, and whom left Adam and the Garden of Eden as she would not be subservient to him. The figure of Lilith has been used in many other cultures and literature since. The work of Collier is seen here with his mastery of portraying both fantasy and romanticism. The serpent wrapping around her alludes to her close association with Samuel and to her mysterious role as the first wife of Adam originally made from the clay. This medieval tapestry “Lilith” is unlined and has a tunnel for easy hanging.