The Sinner 1904

"The Sinner" is a painting by John Collier from 1904 that depicts a woman in a richly-colored gown kneeling in prayer in a confessional. The setting is a dark, wood-paneled room, with the woman illuminated by a single ray of light, emphasizing her isolation and her emotional turmoil. This dramatic scene evokes the sense of guilt and remorse, reflecting the title of the work. Collier's attention to detail, particularly in the woman's clothing and the intricate woodwork of the confessional, is characteristic of his late-Victorian style.