1902
oil on canvas
139 х 387

The painting is the bottom line of Vrubel's experiments with his most important theme of free, rebellious creative spirit, personified in the image of Demon. The hero is thrown down into the chaos of nothingness, into the depth of insensate elements, which is emphasized with wave-like rhythm of the image. The canvas stretched horizontally enhances the almost physical sensation of brutal downfall into an abyss, the hopelessness of defeat. Demon's body, the colour of ashes, looks disjointed as if in the grip of torture. His arms, twisted crosswise and expanded with wings, and his drawn face with undying light in his eyes remind of another winged creature: Seraph, the spirit of light. Demon is vanquished physically, but undefeatable spiritually. He is in the centre of a kind of fiery circle of his own wings. The artist paints peacock feathers using metal lacquers, making them sparkle and glisten on the dark surface. But it is not only the ornamental beauty of the plumage of the kingly bird that attracts the artist. The peacock is a symbol of imperishability and eternity. The precious feathers wrap around Demon like flames, which brings to memory the legend of the bird Phoenix, which burns, only to rise again from its own ashes.

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