Tamara and the Demon (1889)
by Konstantin Makovsky
Russian, 1839-1915 

Konstantin Makovsky was an influential Russian painter, affiliated with the “Peredvizhniki” or “Wanderers.” He was known for his historical paintings that often presented an idealized view of Russian life in previous centuries. 

“Tamara and the Demon” is a captivating painting that delves into the themes of virtue and evil, drawing inspiration from Mikhail Lermontov’s poem “Demon”, which tells a story of a fallen angel who wanders the earth filled with bitterness and loneliness. Set in the Caucasus Mountains, the Demon encounters Tamara, a beautiful Georgian princess, and becomes infatuated with her. The Demon indirectly causes the death of Tamara’s betrothed and he eventually reveals himself to her. Tamara is drawn to him and succumbs to his embrace, which proves fatal. In the end, Tamara’s soul ascends to heaven, while the Demon is left alone once again, despairing and without hope. The poem is a complex exploration of themes such as the nature of evil, redemption, and the possibility of love and compassion for even the most damned beings.

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging