Artwork

The Demon Seated

The Demon Seated, by Mikhail Vrubel, oil, 1896
The Demon Seated, by Mikhail Vrubel, oil, 1896

The Demon Seated is an oil painting by the Symbolist artist Mikhail Vrubel. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.

About this work

The Demon Seated is a piece by Mikhail Vrubel. It's an oil paint work.

The piece is from 1890 and is described as a symbolist work. This gives us a clue about the themes and ideas that might be explored in the work.

To learn more about the style and techniques used in The Demon Seated, look up the technique of glazing.

Overview

The Demon Seated is a 1890 oil painting by Mikhail Vrubel, classified as a symbolist work. Characterized by Vrubel's distinctive style, the piece features a unique visual effect reminiscent of stained glass or panels.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a demon constrained within the frame, set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop at scarlet sunset. This composition may symbolize the demon's emotional or metaphysical state, though specific interpretations of its symbolism are not explicitly defined in available information.

Technique & Style

Vrubel achieved the painting's distinctive crystal-edged effect through plain strokes with a painting knife, rather than traditional brushing. This method contributes to the work's stylized, almost translucent appearance.

History & Provenance

Created in 1890, the painting's history and ownership timeline are not detailed in the provided information. It is known to be part of Vrubel's body of work from this period.

Context

As a symbolist piece, The Demon Seated aligns with late 19th-century European art movements exploring the subconscious, emotions, and the mystical. Vrubel's style, however, remains distinct within this broader context.

Legacy

The painting's influence and reception over time are not specified in the available details. Its legacy is acknowledged as part of Vrubel's contributions to Russian symbolist art.

Saul
Saul, Jozef Israëls

Artist & collection

Portrait of Mikhail Vrubel

Artist

Mikhail Vrubel

Mikhail Aleksandrovich Vrubel (Russian: Михаил Александрович Врубель; March 17, 1856 – April 14, 1910) was a Russian painter, draughtsman, and sculptor.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Tretyakov Gallery open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Demon Seated?

The Demon Seated was painted by Mikhail Vrubel in 1896.

Where can I see The Demon Seated?

The Demon Seated is held by Tretyakov Gallery.

What movement is The Demon Seated?

The Demon Seated is associated with Symbolism.