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John Collier Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by John Collier our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide John Collier · 1850 – 1934

Godiva (1898) by John Collier

1898 · The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Coventry

Discover John Maler Collier’s ‘Godiva,’ a stunning Pre-Raphaelite oil painting of a nude woman on horseback. Explore its classical beauty, rich detail & serene atmosphere.

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #1: Godiva

Art Movement: Pre-Raphaelite
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17836 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Lilith (1887)

1887 · original 194.0 x 104.0cm

A golden-haired woman in a lush jungle, entwined in a passionate embrace with a large serpent.

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #2: Lilith

Art Movement: Pre-Raphaelite

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17823 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$756104 × 194 cm Commission at original size

John Collier: Priestess of Delphi

1891 · Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide

A visionary priestess drifts in a trance, clutching a sacred laurel bough amidst dark vapors.

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #3: Priestess of Delphi

Art Movement: Pre-Raphaelite
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17822 × 45 cm Commission this artwork

John Collier, The Priestess of Bacchus (1885)

1885

A luminous female devotee stands amidst dense foliage, holding a pine-cone tipped thyrsus wand.

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #4: The Priestess of Bacchus

Art Movement: Pre-Raphaelite
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17828 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

The Sleeping Beauty by John Collier, 1921

1921

This 1921 oil painting by John Maler Collier captures a serene fairy tale scene. Discover this masterpiece and own a piece of history today.

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #5: The Sleeping Beauty

Art Movement: Pre-Raphaelite
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17836 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Sir John Evans by John Collier

1905 · Ashmolean Museum, Oxford

A dignified Victorian portrait of Sir John Evans by John Maler Collier captures the essence of Pre-Raphaelite realism with meticulous detail and a timeless expression, perfect for art lovers seeking a classic piece to cherish.

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #6: Sir John Evans

Art Movement: Pre-Raphaelite Revival
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17829 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

A Fallen Idol (1913) by John Collier

1913 · Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Auckland · original 167.6 x 137.1cm

This dramatic 1913 oil painting by John Collier captures intense emotional tension. Discover the beauty of this masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #7: A Fallen Idol

Art Movement: Pre-Raphaelite
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17829 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$840137 × 168 cm Commission at original size

Thomas Henry Huxley

1883 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 127.0 x 101.6cm

This somber 1883 oil portrait by John Collier captures a scholar with a skull. Discover this masterpiece of academic realism today.

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #8: Thomas Henry Huxley

Art Movement: Pre-Raphaelite
Color Palette: Monochrome

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17828 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$538102 × 127 cm Commission at original size

George Smith by John Collier, 1901

1901 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 59.7 x 49.5cm

This dignified oil portrait by John Collier captures a wise, elderly man in a classical style. Shop this exquisite reproduction today.

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #9: George Smith

Art Movement: Pre-Raphaelite

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17829 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23850 × 60 cm Commission at original size

Trompe l'oeil painting by John Collier, 1729

1729 · Fitzwilliam Museum · original 61.5 x 74.8cm

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #10: Trompe l'oeil painting

Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17835 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$28875 × 62 cm Commission at original size

John Collier, Nettie and Joyce (1890)

1890

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #11: Nettie and Joyce

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17823 × 44 cm Commission this artwork

Sir Ignatius Valentine Chirol by John Collier, 1909

1909 · National Portrait Gallery, London

Admire Sir Ignatius Chirol by John Maler Collier – a striking Pre-Raphaelite portrait of a distinguished gentleman. Explore its realism & dramatic lighting in this 1909 masterpiece.

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #12: Sir Ignatius Valentine Chirol

Art Movement: Academic Realism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17829 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Sir Michael Foster, 1907, John Collier

1907 · National Portrait Gallery, London

Admire John Maler Collier’s masterful Pre-Raphaelite portrait of Sir Michael Foster! Explore this iconic British art piece showcasing scientific intellect & refined detail.

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #13: Sir Michael Foster

Art Movement: Pre-Raphaelite
Color Palette: Monochrome

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17828 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, 1877, John Collier

1877 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 127.0 x 101.6cm

This dignified 1877 oil portrait by John Collier captures a sense of wisdom. Discover this masterpiece of Victorian portraiture today.

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #14: Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury

Art Movement: Pre-Raphaelite

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17828 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$538102 × 127 cm Commission at original size

Sir George Biddell Airy, 1801-1892, John Collier

1883 · National Maritime Museum, London · original 127.0 x 101.5cm

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #15: Sir George Biddell Airy, 1801-1892

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17828 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$538102 × 127 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of Alma Tadema by John Collier

1884 · Te Whare O Rehua Sarjeant Gallery · original 144.2 x 110.0cm

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #16: Portrait of Alma Tadema

Color Palette: Monochrome

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17827 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$627110 × 144 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of James Prescott Joule by John Collier, 1882

1882

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #17: Portrait of James Prescott Joule

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17829 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Pope Urban VI by John Collier

1896 · original 172.4 x 107.7cm

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #18: Pope Urban VI

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17825 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$708108 × 172 cm Commission at original size

The Hon. Florence Rachel Hamilton-Russell (d.1957) (1901)

1901 · Dudmaston Hall · original 163.5 x 108.0cm

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #19: The Hon. Florence Rachel Hamilton-Russell (d.1957)

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$45334 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$956164 × 108 cm Commission at original size

William Hillier, 4th Earl of Onslow (1853-1911) – John Collier

1903 · Clandon Park · original 124.5 x 100.3cm

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #20: William Hillier, 4th Earl of Onslow (1853-1911)

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17827 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$526100 × 125 cm Commission at original size

Thomas Smith, Surgeon to St Bartholomew's Hospital (1901) by John Collier

1901

Admire John Maler Collier’s 1901 portrait of Surgeon Thomas Smith – a dignified Pre-Raphaelite piece showcasing rich detail & atmospheric lighting. Explore Victorian art history!

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #21: Thomas Smith, Surgeon to St Bartholomew's Hospital

Art Movement: Pre-Raphaelite

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17827 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Self portrait (1907) by John Collier

1907 · Te Whare O Rehua Sarjeant Gallery · original 64.6 x 54.6cm

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #22: Self portrait

Color Palette: Monochrome

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17828 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$25555 × 65 cm Commission at original size

John Clifford (1915) by John Collier

1915 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 59.7 x 49.5cm

This dignified oil portrait by John Collier captures a solemn subject in a classical style. Shop this exquisite reproduction today.

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #23: John Clifford

Art Movement: Pre-Raphaelite

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17829 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23850 × 60 cm Commission at original size

Clytemnestra

1914

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17825 × 41 cm Commission this artwork

Sacred and Profane Love – John Collier

1919

Explore 'Sacred & Profane Love' by John Maler Collier – a stunning Pre-Raphaelite portrait showcasing opulent leisure & Impressionistic detail. Discover this 1919 masterpiece!

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #25: Sacred and Profane Love

Art Movement: Pre-Raphaelite
Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20337 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

John Collier

1850 – 1934

Quick facts

Topics exploredmen, portraits, portrait, victorian era, man
Museums on APSNational Gallery of Victoria, Art Gallery of South Australia, Nationalmuseum, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, National Portrait Gallery
Best occasionsaccent, conversation
NationalityUnited Kingdom
Died1934
Copyright statusPublic domain
Art period19th Century
Top-ranked workGodiva

Biography

John Maler Collier: A Life in Portraiture

Born: London, United Kingdom (1850)
Died: 1934

John Maler Collier OBE RP ROI was a prominent English artist and author, celebrated as a leading portrait painter of his generation. His artistic style leaned heavily into the Pre-Raphaelite aesthetic, characterized by meticulous detail, vibrant colors, and a focus on narrative storytelling within portraits.

Early Life and Artistic Training

Family Background: Collier hailed from a distinguished family. His grandfather was a Quaker merchant and Member of Parliament, while his father served as Attorney General and a judge in the Privy Council. This privileged background afforded him access to education and societal circles that would later influence his artistic career.
Education: He received his early education at Eton College before pursuing formal art training.
Formal Studies: Collier studied painting at the Munich Academy starting in 1875, honing his skills under established masters. He also studied in Paris with Jean-Paul Laurens.

Artistic Style and Major Works

Pre-Raphaelite Influence: Collier’s work is deeply rooted in the Pre-Raphaelite movement, evident in his attention to detail, rich color palettes, and a tendency towards narrative scenes within portraits.
Portraiture Focus: He primarily specialized in portraiture, capturing likenesses of prominent figures from various fields including art, science, politics, and royalty.
Notable Subjects: Collier’s sitters included Charles Darwin, Thomas Henry Huxley (his father-in-law), Rudyard Kipling, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, two Lord Chancellors (Earl of Selborne and Earl of Halsbury), the Speaker of the House of Commons William Gully, and Field Marshal Lord Kitchener.
Royal Portraits: Significant commissions included portraits of the Duke of York (later King George V) as Master of Trinity House in 1901, and the Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII). The latter was displayed at Durbar Hall in Jodhpur, Rajputana.
"Problem Pictures": Beyond formal portraiture, Collier also created "problem pictures," depicting scenes from everyday life, often showcasing a brighter and fresher style than his more solemn portraits.

Personal Life and Family Connections

Marriages to Huxley's Daughters: A defining aspect of Collier’s life was his marriage to two daughters of Thomas Henry Huxley, a renowned scientist and President of the Royal Society. His first wife, Marian (Mady) Huxley, was also an artist.
Family Legacy: His daughter by his first marriage, Joyce, became a portrait miniaturist. His second son, Sir Laurence Collier, served as the British Ambassador to Norway from 1941-1951.
Close Ties to Intellectual Circles: Collier maintained close relationships with prominent intellectuals and writers of his time, including Leonard Huxley (Thomas Henry Huxley’s son).

Legacy and Historical Significance

Recognition and Awards: Collier was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1920.
Critical Reception: While initially praised, his work later received mixed reviews. Some critics compared his style to that of Frank Holl due to its solemnity, while others recognized his "strong and surprising sense of color."
Extensive Record Keeping: Collier meticulously documented his sitters in a handwritten book, providing valuable insight into his career and the individuals he portrayed. This “Sitters Book” is now housed in the Heinz Archive and Library at the National Portrait Gallery.
Representation in Major Collections: Sixteen of Collier’s paintings are held by the National Portrait Gallery in London, with two residing in the Tate Gallery.

Questions & Answers

Can I explore John Collier's works by subject?

The Subject Atlas page maps John Collier's artworks by subject.

Can I browse John Collier's works by movement?

The movements John Collier worked in can be seen on the artist's All Movements page, which groups the artworks by movement.

How do I find works by John Collier in a specific palette?

John Collier's works can be browsed by color palette on the artist's By Palettes page.

By the TopImpressionists.com Editorial Team Updated Sept. 1, 2026

Collector's quiz

John Maler Collier was primarily known for what type of art?
Where did John Maler Collier study painting, starting in 1875?
Who were two prominent figures from the Huxley family that John Collier married?
What was a notable characteristic of Collier's portraits, as noted in the Dictionary of Art?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

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Every artwork by John Collier in our catalog can be painted to order, in the size that suits the room.

All artworks by John Collier