Were the fish with water. Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The composition presents two children in close proximity, their faces turned towards one another in what appears to be a moment of shared understanding or quiet contemplation. The girl, positioned slightly higher and leaning against the boys shoulder, exhibits a melancholic expression; her gaze is directed downwards, suggesting introspection or perhaps sorrow. Her headscarf, rendered with loose brushstrokes, frames her face and contributes to an overall sense of vulnerability.
The boy’s posture conveys a protective stance. He inclines his head towards the girl, as if offering comfort or reassurance. His features are less defined than hers, yet there is a discernible tenderness in his expression. The artist has employed a muted color palette – predominantly browns and grays – which reinforces the somber mood of the scene. The application of paint is loose and expressive, with visible brushstrokes adding texture and immediacy to the work.
Beneath the figures, Cyrillic script runs across the lower edge of the canvas. While the precise meaning requires translation, its presence suggests a narrative element or an accompanying thought that further enriches the scenes context. The inscription seems integral to understanding the emotional weight carried by the children’s interaction.
The work evokes themes of empathy, shared suffering, and perhaps a sense of disillusionment with the world. It is likely intended to elicit compassion from the viewer, prompting reflection on the hardships faced by vulnerable individuals – particularly children – within an unspecified social context. The intimacy between the two figures suggests a bond forged through adversity, hinting at a deeper understanding that transcends words.