Stop did not stagger, lie, and do not lie like a gas meter! Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The composition presents a young boy leaning against a wall, his posture suggesting weariness or perhaps dejection. He is clad in a simple, somewhat worn coat over a tunic and high boots, indicative of a rural or working-class background. His face is turned downwards, obscuring much of his expression, though the slight downturn of his mouth hints at melancholy. The artist has rendered him with a muted palette; earth tones dominate, punctuated by the pale blue of his coat and the reddish hue of his sash.
Behind the boy, a table laden with books and what appears to be a smoking pipe creates a domestic interior backdrop. This detail introduces an element of intellectual or scholarly pursuit, contrasting with the boy’s apparent state of mind. The light source seems to originate from behind the table, casting shadows that further emphasize the boys isolation within the scene.
Above the figure, a decorative initial C is prominently displayed alongside Cyrillic script. This textual element adds another layer of complexity; it appears to be a didactic or cautionary phrase, likely intended for children. The text itself seems to urge restraint and honesty, which could be interpreted as a moral lesson being imparted to the viewer through the depiction of this young boy.
The overall effect is one of quiet introspection and subtle social commentary. Here we see an individual seemingly burdened by some unspoken weight, juxtaposed with symbols of learning and virtue. The painting’s subtexts likely revolve around themes of childhood innocence, societal expectations, and the complexities of truthfulness within a specific cultural context. The boys posture and expression suggest a struggle between internal feelings and external pressures, hinting at a narrative beyond what is immediately visible on the surface.