Whos Who dent, and he also beat! Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The drawing presents two figures rendered in a stark, monochromatic palette. They appear as young boys, clad in what seem to be stylized helmets or caps with pointed tops. The artist has employed a technique that emphasizes texture and shadow, creating a sense of depth and volume despite the limited tonal range.
Here we see an intentional blurring of individual features; their faces are somewhat simplified, conveying more of a collective identity than distinct personalities. Their gazes are directed downwards, suggesting introspection or perhaps shared contemplation. The boys stand close together, their bodies nearly touching, which implies a bond or connection between them.
The background is indistinct, fading into darkness and further isolating the figures. This compositional choice directs the viewer’s attention solely to the two boys and reinforces their sense of solitude. A handwritten inscription appears at the bottom of the drawing, written in Cyrillic script. Its presence suggests a personal or narrative significance beyond the visual representation itself.
The overall effect is one of quiet solemnity and understated emotion. The artist seems interested not in depicting specific details but rather in conveying a mood – a sense of shared experience or perhaps even a subtle commentary on youth, identity, and connection. The drawing’s simplicity lends it an air of timelessness, inviting viewers to project their own interpretations onto the scene.