I got up, washed, prayed to God and bit. Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The composition centers on a small child engaged in the act of washing their face. The figure stands before a wooden washbasin elevated on a simple stand, water splashing around their feet. A towel hangs from a hook affixed to the wall behind them, suggesting a domestic setting and routine. The childs expression is difficult to discern definitively; it appears neither overtly joyful nor sorrowful, but rather absorbed in the task at hand.
The color palette is dominated by warm earth tones – ochres, browns, and muted yellows – which contribute to an atmosphere of quiet intimacy and perhaps a sense of austerity. The light source seems to originate from above and slightly to the left, illuminating the childs face and upper body while casting the lower portion of the scene in shadow. This creates a visual hierarchy that draws attention to the figure’s actions.
Above the scene, Cyrillic script is inscribed, adding another layer of meaning. The text appears to narrate the depicted action: Washed, prayed to God, and bit. This inscription transforms the simple act of washing into a ritualistic sequence, linking physical cleansing with spiritual devotion and an enigmatic final gesture – the biting.
The inclusion of the prayer element introduces themes of faith and perhaps innocence or vulnerability. The “biting” is particularly striking; it’s ambiguous in its significance. It could represent frustration, defiance, or even a childlike attempt to assert agency within a structured routine. This singular action disrupts the otherwise serene depiction, injecting an element of unsettling complexity.
The overall effect is one of poignant simplicity and understated emotional depth. The artist has captured not just a moment in time but also hints at a larger narrative – one that explores themes of faith, childhood, and the subtle tensions inherent within everyday life.