Our hostess something on the ball was. Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The composition presents a domestic scene imbued with a sense of melancholy and quiet observation. A young girl, barefoot and clad in a simple, slightly soiled dress, is depicted engaged in household chores. She holds a broom in one hand and appears to be offering something – perhaps food – to a small dog standing before her. The dog, in turn, is interacting with a cat perched on a nearby surface. Above them, a mouse scurries across the upper portion of the frame.
The color palette is muted, dominated by earthy tones of brown and ochre, contributing to an atmosphere of austerity and perhaps even hardship. Light falls unevenly upon the figures, highlighting the girl’s face and hands while leaving other areas in shadow. This selective illumination draws attention to her role as a caregiver within this small, contained world.
The arrangement of the animals is significant. The dog and cat, typically seen as adversaries, are engaged in an interaction that suggests a fragile harmony or at least a temporary truce. The mouse’s presence introduces a further element – a symbol of scarcity and perhaps even a subtle commentary on the precariousness of their existence.
The inscriptions flanking the scene add layers to its interpretation. They appear to be folk sayings or proverbs, hinting at themes of kindness, resourcefulness, and the importance of compassion even in difficult circumstances. The text above seems to suggest that even a mistress can be clever, while the lower inscription speaks of a servant’s desire for a cat to catch mice.
The overall impression is one of quiet dignity amidst poverty. Its not merely a depiction of domesticity but an exploration of resilience and the small acts of kindness that sustain life within constrained conditions. The artist has captured a moment of tenderness and shared existence, suggesting a deeper narrative about social class, responsibility, and the enduring power of empathy.