Chicken Fedorko. Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The composition presents two children positioned close together against a warm, indistinct background. Both figures are dressed in traditional rural attire; the child on the left wears a white headscarf and a light-colored tunic, while the one on the right is clad in darker garments with a prominent black cape or coat. Each child holds a chicken – the bird held by the first child is red, while the second clutches a black one. Their gazes are directed towards each other, suggesting an interaction or shared experience.
The artist’s brushwork appears loose and expressive, contributing to a sense of immediacy and informality. The color palette is dominated by earthy tones – ochres, browns, and creams – with accents of red and black that draw attention to the chickens and the childs clothing respectively. A handwritten inscription in Cyrillic script occupies the lower portion of the work, partially obscuring the bottom edges of the figures’ garments.
Beyond a straightforward depiction of children with poultry, the painting seems to carry layers of subtext. The pairing of the two children, each holding a chicken of contrasting color, could symbolize duality or perhaps represent different aspects of childhood – innocence versus mischief, light versus shadow. The chickens themselves might be interpreted as symbols of prosperity and rural life, common motifs in folk art traditions.
The inscription, while not immediately decipherable without translation, reinforces the sense that this is a personalized piece, likely intended to convey a specific message or sentiment. It suggests a narrative element – a story or wish being communicated through the depiction of these two children and their chickens. The overall impression is one of warmth, intimacy, and a connection to rural traditions and folklore.