Makovsky, Konstantin Yegorovich (1839-1915) – Russian painter. He was born in Moscow; in a family rich in artistic traditions – his father, an employee of the Palace Department and an amateur artist, is the founder of the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture; his brother Vladimir was also a famous painter, brother Nikolai – a painter and architect. In his youth, K. Makovsky was influenced by V.A. Tropinin and Silv.F. Shchedrin. In 1863, he was among the participants in the "Revolt of 14"; he soon moved away from the democratic movement in art, although he retained an interest in subjects from folk life. From 1867 – academician, from 1869 – professor, from 1898 – full member of the Russian Academy of Arts. In 1876 he traveled: he visited the Balkans, Egypt, the Middle East. In the 1880s. reveals a penchant for melodramatic salon themes. In the late 1880s and 1890s, he turns to themes from pre-Petrine Russia. His paintings were awarded prizes at World Exhibitions.

The painting "The Demon and Tamara" is based on the plot of M. Yu. Lermontov's poem "The Demon". The culmination of the moment is depicted: the Demon, having penetrated Tamara's monastery cell, tempts her and, having given her a deadly kiss, "triumphs". The theme of the clash of two opposite worlds is resolved by the artist in a melodramatic vein; the composition is built like a theatrical mise-en-scène. The "evil spirit" is represented by a sultry, handsome young man, holding in his arms a dying victim, also ideally beautiful. Cold bluish-ash colors and skillful lighting direction create a mysterious atmosphere. The heroes are torn from the darkness of the night by the light of two different sources. The cold light of the moon casts a deathly pallor over Tamara. The warm reddish light of the lamp "revives" the Demon's face, simultaneously lighting red lights in his eyes, like the reflections of hellfire.

The painting was awarded a gold medal at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1889.