John Collier ⁽²⁾

John Collier was the kind of painter who could make you believe you were looking at a scene straight out of a Shakespearean play, all while giving you the look of someone who might quietly judge your life choices. He was a master of blending realism with mythological and literary themes, often portraying his subjects with an almost ethereal intensity. Whether he was painting historical figures, scenes from ancient mythology, or portraits of women with mysterious, knowing glances, Collier had a knack for making everything feel just a bit more dramatic than your average Tuesday afternoon.

While he’s often remembered for his portraits and allegorical works, Collier was no stranger to controversy. His paintings had a tendency to feature women in rather precarious or intense situations—like the famous Lady Godiva, where the subject isn’t just riding naked through town (as per the legend), but doing so in a way that makes you think she might be about to start giving a TED Talk on the subject. Collier's work may have reflected the Victorian love for both the past and the supernatural, but he also managed to stir up a bit of intrigue, leaving us with paintings that feel like a mix of myth, drama, and a healthy dose of, "What exactly is going on here?"