Silhouette of the book. From the village of memories, 1882 1 Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The artwork presents a scene populated by figures rendered entirely in silhouette against a textured background. Here we observe what appears to be a rural setting, dominated by tall grasses and foliage that fill much of the lower portion of the composition. Three children are positioned at the left edge of the frame, each engaged in an activity: one seems to be holding a bucket, another reaches upwards, while the third is accompanied by a small dog.
Dominating the central space stands a taller figure, also depicted as a silhouette. This individual holds what appears to be a long-handled tool or implement, possibly related to harvesting or agricultural work. The posture suggests a sense of authority or perhaps a guiding presence within the group. A scattering of birds is visible in the upper portion of the image, adding a dynamic element and suggesting an open sky.
The monochromatic palette and stark silhouettes contribute to a feeling of nostalgia and distance. The absence of detail encourages viewers to project their own narratives onto the scene. The children’s actions – the bucket, the reaching gesture – hint at childhood curiosity and engagement with the natural world. The presence of the dog reinforces this sense of domesticity and rural life.
The central figures posture and tool suggest a connection to labor or tradition, potentially symbolizing the passing down of knowledge or skills across generations. The birds in flight could represent freedom, aspiration, or the fleeting nature of time. Overall, the work evokes a quiet contemplation on themes of memory, childhood, rural life, and the passage of time – a snapshot of a moment imbued with an understated melancholy.