Drunk Cowgirl 1999 Oil on linen 58 x 47 in. (147.3 x 119.4 cm)

Eteri was a cowherd in a Georgian legend. One day, she lost her cows in the forest. Prince Abesalom was hunting with his royal entourage when he found Eteri. He immediately fell in love with her and decided to bring her to the palace and marry her.

Murman, the prince's servant and friend, also fell in love with Eteri. Consumed by jealousy, he obtained a poison from a witch and sprayed it on her. As a result, worms erupted all over her body. Heartbroken, Abesalom died of grief. Eteri eventually recovered, but unable to live without Abesalom, she took her own life. Murman also committed suicide.

The legend of Abesalom and Eteri has inspired operas and ballets that continue to be performed in Georgia.

Eteri is of biblical origin and means "star."