God help you! Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

Here we observe a drawing depicting two young girls engaged in what appears to be medical assistance. They sit at a table covered with instruments – forceps, scissors, and other surgical tools – arranged amidst bandages and a box bearing a red cross emblem. The composition is tightly framed, focusing intently on the children’s faces and their immediate surroundings.
The artist has rendered the girls in profile, emphasizing their solemn expressions. Their gazes are directed downwards, suggesting concentration or perhaps anxiety related to the task at hand. Both wear headscarves, a detail that contributes to an overall sense of modesty and vulnerability. The rendering is sketchy, with loose lines defining form rather than meticulous detail; this lends a feeling of immediacy and urgency to the scene.
The presence of medical instruments alongside children evokes a complex set of subtexts. It speaks to a situation where traditional adult roles have been disrupted, likely due to conflict or crisis. The girls’ involvement in providing care implies a breakdown of societal structures and a reliance on younger generations for essential services. Their youth underscores the tragic reality of war or disaster, highlighting how it impacts even those who are too young to fully comprehend its implications.
The red cross emblem is significant; it signifies humanitarian aid and neutrality, suggesting that these girls are attempting to offer assistance regardless of allegiances. The drawing’s overall tone is one of quiet desperation and resilience – a poignant portrayal of children forced into adult responsibilities during times of upheaval.