Silhouette. Types of Sketches Turgenev Lgov 1883. Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The composition presents a stark contrast between dense, detailed foreground and expansive, featureless darkness that dominates much of the frame. A cluster of reeds and grasses occupies the lower left quadrant, rendered with meticulous cross-hatching that suggests texture and depth. Within this thicket, a rectangular form rises vertically, partially obscuring a word written in stylized lettering – “Лгов” (Lgov). A solitary duck floats calmly on the water’s edge, mirroring the stillness of the scene. Above the reeds, several birds are sketched with quick, economical lines, adding a sense of movement and life to the otherwise quiet setting.
The lower portion of the image is dominated by another silhouette – this one depicting what appears to be a suspended fowl, likely a duck or goose, entangled in more grasses. This element introduces an unsettling note into the otherwise tranquil depiction. The text accompanying the image, written in Cyrillic script, describes a barefooted and ragged man leaving something behind, hinting at abandonment or loss.
The use of silhouette is significant; it obscures individual features, reducing figures to symbolic representations. Here we see a deliberate choice to prioritize mood and suggestion over precise representation. The darkness surrounding the central scene creates an atmosphere of isolation and mystery. It implies that the depicted moment exists within a larger, unknown context.
Subtexts emerge from this interplay of elements. The “Лгов” inscription suggests a specific place, anchoring the image in a geographical reality while simultaneously hinting at a personal or narrative connection to that location. The abandoned fowl could symbolize loss, sacrifice, or perhaps even a disruption of natural order. The man’s departure and the text accompanying it suggest themes of displacement and regret. Overall, the work evokes a sense of melancholy and quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to ponder the unspoken narratives embedded within its stark visual language.