The artwork titled “Seated Demon” was created by Mikhail Vrubel in 1890 in Moscow, Russian Federation. This artwork, executed in oil on canvas, belongs to the Symbolism movement and measures 212.5 by 115 centimeters. It is classified as a literary painting and is currently housed in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork depicts a solitary, muscular figure seated with a contemplative and melancholy expression. The demon, with a robust physique, is rendered in dark, muted tones that contrast starkly with the luminous background of the setting sun. The figure’s body language, with arms crossed over knees and a distant gaze, evokes a sense of isolation and existential sorrow. Surrounding the demon are fragmented, abstract shapes and vibrant colors, particularly in the form of flowers and the rugged landscape, reflecting Vrubel’s symbolic style. The composition captures the tension between the ethereal beauty of the surroundings and the inner turmoil of the demon, embodying themes of suffering and spiritual conflict.
