silhouette of the book. From the village of memories, 1882 6 Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The artwork presents a scene dominated by silhouettes against a pale background. Two figures, presumably children, are depicted in motion, their forms sharply defined and devoid of internal detail. They appear to be walking or running through tall grass, each carrying a rectangular object – likely books – in a bag slung over their shoulders. A stylized tree with dense foliage rises behind them, partially obscuring the sky and creating a sense of enclosure. The ground is rendered as undulating blades of grass, contributing to the impression of movement and an informal setting.
The monochromatic palette and stark silhouettes contribute to a feeling of nostalgia or reminiscence. The absence of color emphasizes form and line, directing attention to the children’s posture and the surrounding vegetation. Their small size relative to the landscape suggests vulnerability and innocence. The books they carry imply education, knowledge, or perhaps treasured stories – elements often associated with childhood memories.
The composition evokes a sense of fleeting time and lost moments. The silhouettes suggest that these figures are not fully present but rather echoes of the past, observed from a distance. The tree acts as a symbolic barrier between the children and the viewer, reinforcing this feeling of separation and remembrance. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation on themes of childhood, learning, and the passage of time.