back do not fall behind! In the middle of not climb! Forward Do not run! Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The work presents three young boys depicted in a somewhat hurried and informal manner. They are positioned close together, their faces turned towards the viewer with expressions that suggest a mixture of apprehension and playful defiance. Each boy is bundled in thick, fur-trimmed clothing appropriate for cold weather; the details of their garments – the texture of the fabric, the way the hoods frame their faces – contribute to an overall sense of vulnerability and exposure.
The artist has employed a muted color palette dominated by browns, grays, and creams, which reinforces the feeling of austerity and perhaps hardship. The background is indistinct, rendered in dark tones that seem to press in on the figures, intensifying the impression of confinement or restriction. Light falls unevenly upon them, highlighting certain features while leaving others in shadow, adding a layer of complexity to their expressions.
Beneath the figures, Cyrillic script is inscribed, containing instructions – Back do not fall behind! In the middle of not climb! Forward Do not run! – which provides crucial context for understanding the scene. These directives suggest an imposed order, a need for control and obedience. The boys’ postures and expressions seem to simultaneously acknowledge and resist this authority.
The composition itself is noteworthy. The arrangement of the three figures creates a sense of dynamic movement; they are not static but appear to be in motion, caught between following instructions and asserting their own agency. The central boy, with his hand raised to his ear as if listening intently or reacting to something outside the frame, acts as a focal point, drawing the viewers attention while also suggesting an element of uncertainty or anxiety.
Subtly, the painting conveys themes of childhood, discipline, and perhaps even social control. The boys’ vulnerability is juxtaposed with their inherent desire for freedom and playfulness. The inscription serves not only as a literal instruction but also as a symbolic representation of the pressures placed upon individuals within a larger system – a system that demands conformity while simultaneously acknowledging the potential for rebellion. Its possible to interpret this work as an allegory for navigating societal expectations, particularly during times of upheaval or constraint.