Silhouette of the book. From the village of memories, 1882 7 Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The artwork presents a striking scene rendered entirely in silhouette against a stark white background, framed by thick black borders that emphasize its graphic nature. Here we see a group of figures clustered around a central seated woman who appears to be reading. The composition is dominated by the dark forms of children, varying in size and posture, arranged in a semi-circle facing towards her.
The setting seems to be an outdoor space, suggested by the textured ground beneath the figures – a tangle of grasses or reeds that creates a visual nest-like enclosure. This naturalistic base contrasts sharply with the stylized depiction of the people above it. The woman is seated on what appears to be a folding chair, further distinguishing her from the children who stand or huddle at her feet. She holds an open book in front of her face, obscuring her features and directing attention towards the narrative she presumably shares.
The absence of detail within the silhouettes allows for multiple interpretations. The figures are reduced to their essential forms, evoking a sense of universality rather than individual identity. This anonymity contributes to the work’s potential to represent a broader theme – perhaps the power of storytelling or the transmission of knowledge across generations.
The arrangement of the children suggests rapt attention and dependence on the womans narrative. Their postures range from eager listening to quiet contemplation, hinting at the captivating nature of the story being told. The overall impression is one of intimacy and shared experience within a rural setting.
Subtly, there’s an element of melancholy present in the composition. The darkness of the silhouettes, coupled with the isolation created by the borders, suggests a sense of nostalgia or remembrance – as if this scene is a cherished memory viewed from a distance. The nest of grasses could symbolize safety and belonging, but also perhaps confinement or a retreat into the past.