Likes! Dislikes! Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The watercolor drawing presents a figure enveloped in what appears to be a cascade of white blossoms. The subject is rendered with loose brushstrokes and a muted palette dominated by browns, greens, and creams, creating a melancholic atmosphere. A profile view emphasizes the downward gaze of the individual, suggesting introspection or sorrow.
Here we see the person’s face partially obscured by the floral arrangement, which seems to both shield and suffocate them. The blossoms are not depicted with botanical accuracy; instead, they function as an expressive element, contributing to a sense of overwhelming emotion. They appear almost like feathers, hinting at fragility and ephemerality.
The composition is framed by two Cyrillic inscriptions positioned on either side of the figure: one reads Любить! (Lyubit - To Love!), while the other states Не любить (Ne lyubit’ – Not to love!). These words are rendered in a stylized, almost calligraphic script and appear as if etched onto the background itself. Their placement is significant; they act not merely as labels but as direct commentary on the figure’s emotional state or perhaps a broader exploration of contradictory feelings.
The artists signature appears at the bottom right corner, adding a personal touch to this intimate portrayal. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation and unresolved tension – a visual representation of conflicting desires or experiences. The drawing seems to explore themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human emotion through symbolic imagery and expressive brushwork.