Ethnic groups in Russia. Finns. Live, do not grieve. Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The composition presents two young girls seated at a small table, engaged in what appears to be shared contemplation. The artist has rendered them with a degree of realism characteristic of late nineteenth-century portraiture, yet the overall effect is imbued with sentimentality and an emphasis on cultural identity.
Here we see the girls dressed in traditional attire; one wears a distinctive cap adorned with red fabric, while the other’s head covering features a more modest bonnet. Their clothing suggests a rural setting and a connection to specific customs. The color palette is dominated by muted earth tones – browns, creams, and pale yellows – which contribute to an atmosphere of quiet introspection. Light falls gently on their faces, highlighting their expressions of melancholy or perhaps thoughtful resignation.
The table itself holds two small bowls, presumably containing food or drink. This detail anchors the scene in a domestic sphere, suggesting everyday life rather than grand historical events. The girls’ proximity and shared gaze imply a bond between them, possibly sisters or close friends. Their posture – heads bowed slightly, shoulders slumped – conveys a sense of weariness or quiet sadness.
Beneath the depiction of the children, Cyrillic script is visible, accompanied by text in French and English translations. The presence of these inscriptions underscores the work’s intended purpose: to represent and celebrate cultural diversity within a larger political context. The phrases suggest an encouragement to endure hardship with hope for brighter times ahead.
The paintings subtexts revolve around themes of resilience, cultural preservation, and perhaps even a subtle commentary on the burdens carried by younger generations. It is likely that the work was intended to evoke empathy and understanding towards a specific ethnic group within a broader empire, promoting unity through shared experience and an appreciation for distinct traditions. The overall impression is one of gentle melancholy tempered by a quiet sense of hope.