Silhouette of the book. From the village of memories, 1882 2 Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The artwork presents a scene of childhood play rendered in silhouette against a pale background. Five figures, presumably children, populate a shallow body of water bordered by dense foliage. The composition is dominated by these dark outlines, which obscure specific details but emphasize the forms and their interactions.
Here we see one child standing upright, seemingly observing the others. Another kneels near the edge of the water, engaged in an activity that remains ambiguous due to the lack of detail within the silhouette. Two figures are immersed in the water, suggesting a playful interaction or exploration. A fifth figure stands on the bank, holding something aloft – perhaps a toy or a small creature.
The artist’s choice of silhouette technique lends a sense of nostalgia and distance to the scene. The absence of color and fine detail evokes a feeling of memory, as if recalling a moment from the past viewed through a veil of time. This stylistic decision also contributes to a universality; the children are not identifiable individuals but rather archetypes of childhood innocence and carefree enjoyment.
The natural setting – the water and foliage – further reinforces this sense of idyllic simplicity. The dense vegetation creates a feeling of enclosure, suggesting a secluded space where these children can freely play without adult supervision or external constraints. The ripples on the water’s surface introduce a dynamic element to an otherwise static composition, hinting at movement and vitality.
Subtly, the work might also suggest themes of community and shared experience. The figures are clustered together, engaged in collective activity, implying a sense of belonging and mutual enjoyment. The overall impression is one of quiet joy and unburdened play – a fleeting moment captured and preserved through the evocative power of silhouette.