vrubel seraph 1904 Mikhail Vrubel (1856-1910)
Mikhail Vrubel – vrubel seraph 1904
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Painter: Mikhail Vrubel
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The painting Six-Winged Seraphim by Mikhail Vrubel was painted in 1904. The work of art was created by the artist at the V.P. Serbsky University Hospital. The work was written on canvas with oil paints. This creation is known under the name "Azrael", besides the canvas is called "Angel with a sword and a censer". The crown on the head of the six-winged seraphim seems to blaze with fire, sowing its seeds, breaking through the impenetrable darkness.
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Description of Mikhail Vrubel’s painting The Six-Winged Seraphim
The painting Six-Winged Seraphim by Mikhail Vrubel was painted in 1904. The work of art was created by the artist at the V.P. Serbsky University Hospital. The work was written on canvas with oil paints. This creation is known under the name "Azrael", besides the canvas is called "Angel with a sword and a censer".
The crown on the head of the six-winged seraphim seems to blaze with fire, sowing its seeds, breaking through the impenetrable darkness. With the precious glitter of stones, the strong wings cast their light. His countenance is pierced with coldness and sternness. His face is framed by dark hair. His neck is elongated and straight. Seraphim gazes out with a piercing, icy gaze of wide open eyes. His hands are raised to the top.
In one hand he holds a censer of burning flame and in the other, entwined with a serpent, he holds a sword. With his whole appearance the seraphim reminds us of the heavenly world from whence he came down. He is like an angel of death, reminding us that nothing is eternal in this earthly world. His gaze speaks of the impending reckoning.
The picture resembles a delirious dream, where flashes of red, blue and green fire appear now and then. The cold colors ringingly announce the impending end.
The work of art is an illustration to the poem of Pushkin "Prophet". Previously Vrubel already wrote a picture, based on the works of Pushkin. After that, the theme of the Prophet became a wire for the artist.
Vrubel worked on the canvas already, being ill. At the same time, he had enough power to put the soul and the secret meaning in each stroke. This is after the last great canvas of the artist’s brush.
The overall style of the canvas is reminiscent of the ancient frescoes. The work of art is woven together by brushstrokes having the look of bright stained glass. It seems as if the picture is collected from thousands of particles of colorful mosaic. At the same time it is cold, repulsive and fascinating, endowed with deep feelings of the author.
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The figure is enveloped within a swirling vortex of color and texture. A dense layering of brushstrokes creates an atmosphere of instability and movement, suggesting a realm beyond earthly perception. Predominantly cool tones – blues, purples, and grays – establish a somber mood, punctuated by flashes of warmer hues – reds and yellows – that seem to emanate from within the figure itself or from objects partially visible on her right side.
To the left, a long, slender form extends outwards; it appears to be a blade or spear, its sharp lines contrasting with the fluidity of the surrounding forms. This element introduces an aspect of potential conflict or judgment. On the right, a glimpse of what seems to be a chalice or vessel is visible, hinting at themes of sacrifice and divine offering.
The artist employed a technique that obscures precise details, prioritizing emotional impact over realistic representation. The lack of clear boundaries between figure and background reinforces the sense of transcendence and spiritual immersion. The overall effect is one of overwhelming power and profound sadness; it suggests an encounter with something sacred, yet also deeply painful. The work seems to explore themes of suffering, redemption, and the burden of divine knowledge.