Eyes are not bullets, but the heart is pierced through and through Vladimir Taburin (1870-1954)

Here we observe a scene imbued with melancholy and unspoken emotion, rendered in a style reminiscent of early 20th-century chromolithography. The composition is divided between two figures: a young woman and a soldier, positioned on opposite sides of a railway track. The woman, dressed in what appears to be traditional folk attire – a white headscarf framing her face and a simple dress – holds a small pitcher, her gaze directed towards the soldier. Her expression conveys a mixture of apprehension and tenderness.
The soldier, clad in military uniform and cap, stands at attention, his posture suggesting both duty and weariness. He avoids direct eye contact with the woman, instead looking downwards, his shoulders slumped slightly. The angle of his head and the downward cast of his eyes contribute to an overall sense of dejection. A sack hangs from his shoulder, hinting at a journey or displacement.
The background is dominated by a railway line receding into the distance, flanked by buildings that suggest a small village or settlement. A hazy sunset casts a warm glow over the scene, yet this warmth does not dispel the underlying sadness. The landscape appears somewhat flattened and idealized, typical of postcard imagery intended for mass consumption.
Above the figures, in Cyrillic script, is inscribed a phrase: Глаза не пули, а сердце насквозь разит. This translates to “Eyes are not bullets, but the heart is pierced through and through.” The text serves as a poignant commentary on the emotional toll of conflict. It suggests that while physical violence may be avoided, the psychological wounds inflicted by war run far deeper.
The subtexts within this image revolve around themes of separation, loss, and the enduring impact of war on civilian life. The woman likely represents someone left behind – a mother, sister, or sweetheart – while the soldier embodies the experience of a man caught up in military service. Their interaction, or lack thereof, speaks volumes about the disruption of personal connections caused by conflict. The image is not merely a depiction of two individuals; it’s an allegory for the broader human cost of war and the lingering pain that transcends physical harm. The idealized setting contrasts sharply with the emotional weight conveyed, creating a sense of bittersweet nostalgia and quiet despair.