Seasons. AUTUMN. Where the fungus is, here we are! Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The artwork presents a scene steeped in autumnal atmosphere. Here we observe two children engaged in what appears to be foraging for mushrooms within a woodland setting. The girl, positioned slightly ahead and centrally located, holds a basket overflowing with gathered fungi. Her expression is one of earnest concentration, her gaze directed downwards towards the ground where she seems to be searching for more specimens. She wears a traditional headscarf, its vibrant red contrasting with the muted earth tones dominating the scene.
The boy stands beside her, his posture suggesting attentiveness and perhaps a degree of deference. He carries a woven basket slung over his arm, presumably intended for additional finds. His clothing is simple and practical, indicative of rural life. The children’s bare feet are visible, grounding them within the natural environment and reinforcing the sense of immediacy and connection to the earth.
The background is deliberately blurred, suggesting depth while maintaining focus on the figures. A few trees, rendered with loose brushstrokes, frame the composition, their branches hinting at a receding perspective. The word осень (autumn) is inscribed in the upper right corner, confirming the seasonal context.
A handwritten inscription near the bottom reads “Где грибы, тут и мы” (Where there are mushrooms, we are here). This phrase encapsulates the scene’s central theme: a symbiotic relationship between human activity and the natural world. It implies not only a practical need for sustenance but also a sense of belonging and familiarity with the landscape.
The painting evokes a feeling of nostalgia and simplicity. The childrens earnestness, combined with the rustic setting and traditional attire, suggests a romanticized view of rural life – a time when connection to nature was integral to daily existence. There is an underlying subtext of resourcefulness and resilience; these children are actively providing for themselves within their environment. The muted color palette contributes to this sense of quiet contemplation and understated beauty.