Why was Mikhail Vrubel called a prophet and what did his contemporaries fear? The lecture will discuss the unusual fate of the artist, his genius insights, and inner struggles. Mikhail Vrubel is a figure shrouded in mysticism, anxiety, and undisclosed power. His biography and work still provoke heated debates, touch the soul, and leave many questions unanswered. Why was this artist called a prophet, why did modernism supporters consider him a precursor, and what tragedies lie behind his genius? Dmitry Shamonov's lecture at the Open Lounge of the Lermontov Library is a deep exploration of the artist's life, revealed in painting, graphics, sculpture, and even ceramics. The speaker will guide listeners through the key stages of Vrubel's life: from inspiration by Byzantine frescoes and Michelangelo to the emotional upheavals that changed his fate. Particular attention will be paid to the artist's iconic works. How to interpret the "Demon" - as a tragedy, a symbol of loneliness, or a challenge to society? Why did his contemporaries admire and simultaneously avoid Vrubel? And how did the master's inner fracture become an integral part of his artistic language? The poster for St. Petersburg is available on KudaGo.