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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 by John Collier, 1898

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$17036 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Lilith (1887) by John Collier

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$17023 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$729104 × 194 cm Commission at original size

John Clifford (1915)

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 #3: John Clifford

Art Movement: Pre-Raphaelite

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$17029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$22850 × 60 cm Commission at original size

George Smith, John Collier

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 #4: George Smith

Art Movement: Pre-Raphaelite

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$17029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$22850 × 60 cm Commission at original size

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

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 #5: 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. 5 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17028 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$519102 × 127 cm Commission at original size

Thomas Henry Huxley (1883)

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 #6: 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. 6 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17028 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$519102 × 127 cm Commission at original size

Mrs Campbell McInnes (later Angela Thirkell) by John Collier, 1914

1914 · National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne · original 158.4 x 91.7cm

This elegant 1914 portrait by John Collier captures a woman in a striking blue dress. Discover the timeless beauty of this oil on canvas.

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #7: Mrs Campbell McInnes (later Angela Thirkell)

Art Movement: Pre-Raphaelite

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$17024 × 42 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$56692 × 158 cm Commission at original size

A Fallen Idol, 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 #8: 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. 8 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$810137 × 168 cm Commission at original size

Marian Collier (née Huxley) (1882) by John Collier

1882 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 61.9 x 49.2cm

This elegant 1882 oil portrait by John Collier captures a serene profile in academic realism. Discover this timeless masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #9: Marian Collier (née Huxley)

Art Movement: Pre-Raphaelite
Color Palette: Earthy

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$17028 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23149 × 62 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950), Dramatist (1927)

1927 · National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin City · original 112.0 x 86.0cm

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #10: Portrait of George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950), Dramatist

Color Palette: Earthy

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$17028 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$42386 × 112 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of James Talbot, 4th Baron Talbot de Malahide (1805-1883) – John Collier

National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin City

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #11: Portrait of James Talbot, 4th Baron Talbot de Malahide (1805-1883)

Color Palette: Earthy

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$17029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

William Hillier, 4th Earl of Onslow (1853-1911) (1903)

1903 · Clandon Park · original 124.5 x 100.3cm

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #12: 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. 12 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17027 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$507100 × 125 cm Commission at original size

Sir George Biddell Airy, 1801-1892 (1883)

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

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #13: 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. 13 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17028 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$518102 × 127 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 #14: Trompe l'oeil painting

Color Palette: Dark

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$17035 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$27675 × 62 cm Commission at original size

Priestess of Delphi by John Collier

1891 · Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #15: Priestess of Delphi

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$17022 × 45 cm Commission this artwork

The Priestess of Bacchus, John Collier

1885

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #16: The Priestess of Bacchus

Color Palette: Earthy

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$17028 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

The Sleeping Beauty, 1921, John Collier

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 #17: 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. 17 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17036 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Sir John Evans by John Collier, 1905

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 #18: 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. 18 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Nettie and Joyce (1890) by John Collier

1890

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #19: Nettie and Joyce

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$17023 × 44 cm Commission this artwork

John Collier, Sir Ignatius Valentine Chirol (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 #20: 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. 20 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Sir Michael Foster – 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 #21: 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. 21 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17028 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Alma Tadema, John Collier

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

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #22: Portrait of Alma Tadema

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$17027 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$605110 × 144 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of James Prescott Joule (1882) by John Collier

1882

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #23: Portrait of James Prescott Joule

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$17029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

John Collier: Pope Urban VI

1896 · original 172.4 x 107.7cm

View the most popular artwork of John Collier ranked #24: Pope Urban VI

Color Palette: Earthy

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$17025 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$683108 × 172 cm Commission at original size

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

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 #25: 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. 25 of 105 artworks by John Collier
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17027 × 37 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

How did John Collier's art evolve over time?

The Chronicle of John Collier is a scroll-driven timeline that presents the artist's works in chronological order, grouped into career-period chapters.

Where can I see all artworks by John Collier?

Every work by John Collier on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.

How do I find all works by John Collier in a given medium?

To find all works by John Collier in a given medium, use the artist's All Medium page.

By the AllPaintingsStore.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

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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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