On weekdaysll work. Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The drawing presents two young children seated at a small table, their attention focused intently on a bowl filled with cherries and other fruits. The composition is framed by a dark background that emphasizes the figures and the tabletop arrangement. Both children are depicted with rosy cheeks and wide eyes, suggesting innocence and perhaps a touch of mischievousness. One child holds a cherry delicately between their fingers, poised to eat it, while the other leans in closely, observing the action.
The artist’s rendering of texture is notable; the soft fuzziness of the childrens hair contrasts with the smooth surfaces of the fruit and the polished wood of the table. The brushstrokes are loose and expressive, contributing to a sense of immediacy and charm. A ribbon adorns each child’s hair – one red, one blue – a detail that adds a touch of formality and perhaps signifies a distinction between them.
Above the children, handwritten script in an elegant cursive provides context. It appears to be a proverb or saying, likely intended to convey a moral lesson about balancing work and leisure. The inscription suggests a cyclical rhythm: labor during the week followed by enjoyment on holidays. This textual element elevates the drawing beyond a simple depiction of childhood; it introduces a didactic layer that speaks to societal expectations regarding diligence and reward.
The overall effect is one of nostalgic sentimentality, evoking a sense of simpler times and traditional values. The children’s focused attention on the fruit can be interpreted as symbolizing the pleasures of life, while the inscription reminds viewers of the importance of earning those pleasures through effort.