Lilith

Kiki Smith (American, born in 1954)

1994

Medium/Technique Silicon bronze and glass

Dimensions 83.8 x 69.9 x 48.3 cm (33 x 27 1/2 x 19 in.)

Credit Line Contemporary Art Support Group Fund, Robert L. Beal, Enid L. Beal and Bruce A. Beal Acquisition Fund, Barbara Fish Lee, and Lorna and Robert M. Rosenberg Fund

Accession Number1996.60

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsContemporary Art, Americas

ClassificationsSculpture

In medieval Jewish lore, Lilith was Adam’s first wife. When she demanded to be Adam’s equal, she was evicted from the Garden of Eden. Lilith flew away to the demon world, replaced by the more submissive Eve. Smith catches us off guard with Lilith’s pose and placement. Most sculptures receive our gaze passively, but Lilith stares back with piercing brown eyes, ready to pounce.

ProvenanceBy 1995, with Pace Wildenstein, New York; 1996, sold by Pace Wildenstein to the MFA. (Accession Date: May 22, 1996)