Seasons. Spring is coming, the warmth is. Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

Here we observe a scene depicting two young children traversing a snow-covered landscape. The composition is dominated by muted tones – browns, grays, and whites – suggesting a late winter or early spring setting. A sparse scattering of bare trees punctuates the background, their skeletal branches reaching towards a pale sky.
The children are centrally positioned, facing forward with a sense of quiet determination. Both are bundled in heavy, dark clothing appropriate for cold weather; one wears a fur-trimmed hood, while the other is adorned with a headscarf that obscures much of her hair. Each carries a walking stick, indicating the unevenness and potential hazards of the terrain. The child on the left also holds a small broom, hinting at an activity related to clearing snow or debris. A woven basket hangs from the shoulder of the figure on the right, suggesting she is carrying something – perhaps provisions or gathered items.
The ground beneath their feet appears partially melted, with patches of ice and slush visible amongst the remaining snow. This detail reinforces the transitional nature of the season, a moment between winter’s grip and springs arrival. The inscription at the top reads Весна (Vesna), which translates to “Spring,” further solidifying this seasonal context. A second inscription is present in the lower portion of the image, written in Cyrillic script.
Beyond the literal depiction of children walking through a thawing landscape, subtexts emerge concerning childhood resilience and the cyclical nature of time. The children’s posture suggests a certain stoicism; they are not depicted as playful or carefree, but rather as individuals navigating a challenging environment with quiet resolve. Their clothing and implements suggest a life lived close to the land, reliant on simple tools and communal effort.
The overall impression is one of understated beauty and subtle symbolism. The scene evokes a sense of hope and renewal associated with spring, while simultaneously acknowledging the hardships inherent in rural existence. It’s a moment captured – a fleeting glimpse into a world where nature dictates the rhythm of life.