Do not cry, do not cry, buy a loaf of bread! Do not whine, do not howl, Ill buy another! Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The drawing presents a poignant scene centered around two young children, likely siblings, enveloped in a palpable atmosphere of distress and attempted consolation. The composition is dominated by their close proximity; the boy stands slightly behind and to the right of the girl, his arm wrapped protectively around her shoulders. He leans towards her, his face angled downwards as if whispering reassurance.
The girl’s expression is particularly striking. Her eyes are downcast, brimming with tears, and her mouth is subtly downturned, conveying a deep sense of sadness or despair. The artist has rendered her features with considerable detail, emphasizing the vulnerability inherent in childhood suffering. The boys face, while less overtly expressive, displays an air of concern and perhaps a forced cheerfulness. His posture suggests an attempt to shield her from further emotional pain.
The color palette is muted, primarily consisting of earthy tones – browns, creams, and grays – which contribute to the overall somber mood. The limited range reinforces the sense of hardship and deprivation implied by the accompanying text. This text, inscribed in a stylized script on either side of the figures, offers a contradictory message: Do not cry, do not cry, buy a loaf of bread! Do not whine, do not howl, Ill buy another! The juxtaposition of this seemingly dismissive instruction with the children’s evident distress creates a complex and unsettling dynamic.
The drawing seems to explore themes of poverty, familial responsibility, and the inadequacy of simple solutions to profound emotional needs. It is likely intended as a social commentary, highlighting the plight of impoverished families and questioning the efficacy of superficial comforts in alleviating genuine suffering. The artist’s choice to focus on children underscores the particular vulnerability of the young within these circumstances. The gesture of the boys arm around the girl suggests not only protection but also a shared burden – a silent acknowledgment of their difficult reality.