Christ is Risen! 5 Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The drawing presents a child seated within a roughly constructed basket or container. The figure is rendered in a soft, muted palette, with considerable attention given to the modeling of light and shadow across the face and body. A gentle luminosity emanates from behind the child, creating a halo-like effect that subtly elevates their presence.
The child’s expression is one of quiet contemplation; the gaze directed outward suggests an awareness beyond the immediate surroundings. One hand holds a small object – possibly a berry or a flower – which is brought close to the face, further emphasizing this introspective quality. The basket itself appears somewhat oversized in relation to the child, contributing to a sense of vulnerability and perhaps even isolation.
The background is indistinct, fading into darkness, which serves to focus attention entirely on the central figure. Above the image, Cyrillic script is visible, suggesting a cultural or religious context. This inscription, combined with the child’s serene expression and the halo-like lighting, hints at themes of innocence, faith, and perhaps even rebirth or resurrection.
The artists choice to depict a young child in this manner evokes associations with purity and divine grace. The basket could be interpreted as symbolic of fragility or protection, while the surrounding darkness might represent challenges or trials that must be overcome. Overall, the drawing conveys a sense of quiet spirituality and profound introspection, inviting contemplation on themes of faith and childhood innocence.