Silhouette. Type of Turgenev Sketches Svidanie 1883. 2 Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The drawing presents a stark contrast between two figures set against a backdrop of natural elements. The composition is dominated by silhouettes, eliminating detail and emphasizing form and relationship. A seated figure occupies the lower left quadrant; their posture suggests introspection or perhaps melancholy. They appear hunched over, with their head bowed, creating an impression of solitude and inward focus.
To the right stands another individual, taller and more upright. This person is depicted in a gesture that implies observation or interaction – they hold something (likely a pencil or brush) poised as if about to record what they see. The stance suggests a degree of detachment from the seated figure, yet also an engagement with their presence.
The natural environment contributes significantly to the overall mood. A drooping tree branch hangs over the seated individual, visually reinforcing feelings of sadness or oppression. The ground beneath them is rendered as tangled roots and foliage, further isolating them within this setting. The absence of color intensifies the sense of drama and mystery; the stark black shapes against a white background create a visual tension that draws attention to the figures postures and their spatial arrangement.
Subtly, the drawing hints at themes of observation versus participation, solitude versus connection, and perhaps even the act of artistic creation itself. The standing figure could be interpreted as an artist capturing a moment of human emotion or experience, while the seated figure embodies that very emotion. The work’s simplicity lends it to multiple interpretations, inviting viewers to project their own narratives onto the scene.