John Frederick Lewis's 'Lilium Auratum' Examined in Daily Art Feature
John Frederick Lewis's oil painting 'Lilium Auratum' (Golden-rayed Lily) measures 54 x 34 inches (137 x 35 cm) and belongs to the City of Birmingham Museum. The artwork is rooted in the Orientalist style that appealed to British and European buyers of the 19th century, featuring idealized women and flowers. Notably, most of the composition lies in shadow except for a brightly lit background, and a second woman, likely a servant, makes direct eye contact with the viewer, enhancing intimacy. The author notes that the ArtUK reproduction exaggerates the shadow contrast, suggesting the original's tonal values are likely between those images.
Key facts
- John Frederick Lewis created 'Lilium Auratum' in oil on canvas.
- The painting measures 54 x 34 inches (137 x 35 cm).
- It is housed in the collection of the City of Birmingham Museum.
- The work exemplifies 19th-century Orientalism popular with European and British art buyers.
- The composition includes idealized women and flowers, with most of the scene in shadow.
- A second woman, possibly a servant, engages the viewer with a sideways glance.
- The author compares the original to a reproduction on ArtUK.
- The author expresses caution about the accuracy of art images found on the internet.
Entities
Artists
- John Frederick Lewis
Institutions
- City of Birmingham Museum
- Peaceful Artworks
- ArtUK
Locations
- Birmingham
- United Kingdom