In the winter cold every young Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The composition presents two children huddled together against a backdrop of wintry desolation. The older child, positioned slightly forward, displays a gaze directed outward, suggesting a mixture of apprehension and resilience. Their face is marked by the harshness of exposure; cheeks flushed, eyes shadowed, hinting at hardship endured. The younger child clings to the elder, their expression subdued, almost melancholic, conveying vulnerability and dependence.
The artist has rendered the children’s attire with a focus on practicality rather than adornment – thick headscarves and layered clothing are evident, indicative of necessity in a cold climate. Their physical proximity underscores a sense of shared experience and mutual support within an environment that offers little comfort. The brushwork is loose and expressive, contributing to the overall feeling of immediacy and emotional intensity.
The landscape behind them is sparsely detailed, dominated by muted tones of brown and grey, evoking a sense of bleakness and isolation. A few bare branches reach upwards on the right side, adding to the visual austerity. The snow-covered ground appears uneven and unforgiving.
Subtly, the work explores themes of childhood vulnerability, familial bonds, and the impact of harsh environmental conditions on human lives. The inscription at the bottom, written in a Cyrillic script, reinforces this sense of cultural specificity and contextualizes the scene within a particular social reality. It suggests a narrative of struggle and survival, prompting reflection on the challenges faced by those living under difficult circumstances. The overall effect is one of poignant realism, inviting empathy for the subjects depicted.