Painting Demon and Tamara by Konstantin Makovsky – a poignant moment between life and death

The Demon and Tamara is a painting by Konstantin Egorovich Makovsky in 1889. In the center of the composition is a beautiful young girl dying in the arms of a young man with aristocratic features. Her body is already limp, dark curls fall from her head thrown back, her skin has acquired a grayish-green tint. In half-closed eyes, life is fading away. A final prayer froze on her lips. His demonic nature is betrayed only by large black wings on his back. The confused look reflects a growing sense of anxiety. And only the faces of the saints in the dim light of the lamp in the background are silent witnesses to this fatal connection.

Name of the painting: “Demon and Tamara”.
Author: Konstantin Egorovich Makovsky (1839-1915).
Year of writing: 1889
Size: 184 x 142 cm.
Style: Romanticism.
Genre: Mythological genre. literary scene.
Technique: Oil painting.
Material: Canvas.
Location: Serpukhov Museum of History and Art, Russia.

Konstantin Makovsky – one of the most sought-after Russian painters of the late XIX – early XX centuries

He was often criticized for being too idealistic. However, by thoroughly studying nature, the artist only sought to show the inner world of the characters, which was invariably reflected in the beauty of their appearances. Makovsky also used this approach in the film “The Demon and Tamara”.

As a plot, he took the climactic scene from Lermontov’s poem “The Demon”, popular in the creative environment, when the infernal spirit, with the feeling of love and goodness revived in him, enters Tamara’s cell and kills her with his kiss. The master enhances the tension and drama of the moment with cross lighting.

The artist reflected the philosophical opposition of good and evil in the color palette and elements. He depicted Tamara in a white dress, testifying to her purity and innocence, and, on the contrary, dressed the Demon in black robes. The material accessory behind his shoulders in appearance resembles the wings of a bat – a traditional symbol of dark forces.

The painting “Demon and Tamara” by Konstantin Makovsky was warmly received by the public. Being presented at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1889, it aroused strong emotions among contemporaries and was awarded the highest award – a gold medal.