Ethnic groups in Russia. Poles. In Poland, the husband wife more!. Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The artwork presents two children depicted in a manner suggesting a folk or ethnographic study. The composition is centered on these figures, set against a muted, indistinct background that lacks detail and serves primarily as a backdrop for the subjects. One child, positioned slightly forward, appears female, with shorter hair styled in loose curls. She gazes downwards, her hand raised to her chin in what might be interpreted as contemplation or perhaps a gesture of concern. The other child, presumably male, stands beside her, wearing a distinctive red hat and a richly colored jacket trimmed with orange fabric. He looks directly forward, his expression seemingly neutral.
The children’s attire is particularly noteworthy. The girls dress features white sleeves and a patterned bodice, while the boy’s costume incorporates vibrant reds and oranges – colors often associated with traditional Polish folk dress. These details contribute to an impression of regional or ethnic identity.
Beneath the figures, Cyrillic script is visible, adding another layer of contextual information. The text appears to be a caption or explanatory note related to the scene depicted. Its presence reinforces the work’s likely purpose as part of a larger series documenting various cultural groups.
The overall tone of the painting conveys a sense of quiet observation and documentation. Theres an absence of overt narrative or dramatic action, instead emphasizing the visual representation of distinct cultural markers through costume and posture. The artist seems to have prioritized capturing details that would distinguish these individuals as belonging to a specific group, likely intended for educational or illustrative purposes within a broader context of ethnic studies. The children’s expressions are subtle, inviting viewers to interpret their relationship and the underlying narrative suggested by their presentation.