Fig. Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The drawing presents a solitary female figure positioned near a rustic fence within a vast, open landscape. She is dressed in simple, rural attire: a long white skirt, a dark bodice, and a bonnet that partially obscures her face. Her posture conveys weariness; one hand shields her forehead as if against the sun or perhaps an oppressive weight of thought. The bare feet suggest a connection to the earth and a life lived close to the land.
The background is characterized by a flat expanse of field, punctuated by a distant cart pulled by horses – a detail that hints at labor and agricultural activity. A rough-hewn fence dominates the foreground, its construction seemingly haphazard, yet functional. Scattered around the base of the fence are large, rounded objects, their purpose unclear without further context; they could be produce, tools, or simply elements contributing to the scenes overall texture.
The artist’s use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and emphasizes the figure’s isolation. The stark contrast between the bright field and the darker areas around her body draws attention to her emotional state. There is an underlying melancholy conveyed through her pose and the vastness of the surrounding space, suggesting themes of solitude, hardship, or perhaps quiet contemplation within a rural setting.
The drawings composition directs the viewer’s gaze towards the horizon, reinforcing the feeling of expansiveness and potentially symbolizing a longing for something beyond the immediate surroundings. The overall effect is one of understated realism, evoking a sense of empathy for the individual depicted and prompting reflection on the realities of rural life.