Söhngen, Andreas Bernhard

Attributed to FRANCESCO TOSO BORELLA (1846-1905); Italy, late 19th century. "Lilith". Ebonized pine wood, polychrome and gilded. Mother of pearl eyes. It has slight flaws. Measurements: 142 x 40,5 x 55 cm. The image loaded with expressive force of the Demon with blank eyes made with mother of pearl is perhaps something so shocking to the eyes of the faithful, and indicates that the sculptor who shaped this figure did so taking into account several aspects. The first to be mentioned is the movement. The protagonist standing on a pedestal, brings forward one of his hands with a delicate movement of his long, thin fingers that brings lightness to the verticality of the sculpture itself. The expression of her face full of folds attests to the tension of the moment. Lilith is a female figure from Mesopotamian and Jewish mythology, theorized as Adam's first wife and a primordial demon. Lilith is said to have been "banished"[2] from the Garden of Eden for not obeying Adam. Many have also linked her to the Mesopotamian demon Lamashtu, who shares similar traits and a similar position in mythology to Lilith. It presents minor faults.