Do not sigh deeply, we will not give away. Although a flat, so close! Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The work presents a young girl seated at a table, her head resting heavily on her hand in a posture suggesting profound melancholy or weariness. The composition is framed by a roughly torn border, lending it an immediate sense of intimacy and fragility. A small pitcher and a bowl are visible on the tabletop, seemingly abandoned amidst the girl’s despondency. She wears traditional attire – a white blouse adorned with intricate embroidery and a richly decorated headdress – indicating a connection to rural or folk traditions.
The color palette is dominated by muted earth tones – browns, reds, and creams – which contribute to the overall somber mood. The lighting appears diffuse, casting soft shadows that further emphasize the girl’s dejected expression. Her eyes are downcast, avoiding direct engagement with the viewer, reinforcing her inward focus.
Beneath the image, Cyrillic script is inscribed, adding a layer of textual complexity. While the precise meaning requires translation, its presence suggests a narrative or commentary embedded within the visual representation. The text seems to function as an epigraph, potentially offering insight into the girl’s emotional state or the circumstances surrounding her situation.
The artists brushwork is loose and expressive, conveying a sense of immediacy and raw emotion. There is a deliberate lack of polish; details are suggested rather than meticulously rendered, which enhances the feeling of vulnerability and authenticity. The work seems to explore themes of resignation, loss, or perhaps the burden of unspoken sorrow. It evokes a quiet introspection, inviting contemplation on the complexities of human experience and the weight of unseen burdens.