Truly Risen! Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The drawing presents a tender and somewhat enigmatic scene centered around two infants nestled within a woven basket. The monochromatic palette, rendered in shades of brown and beige, contributes to a sense of antiquity and muted emotion. Here we see the figures huddled together, their faces partially obscured by a large, draped cloth that functions as a makeshift hood for one of them. This covering creates an air of vulnerability and protection, simultaneously shielding and concealing.
The artist has employed loose, gestural lines to depict the basket’s texture and the soft contours of the infants forms. The lack of sharp definition lends a dreamlike quality to the composition, softening the edges of reality. The figures appear diminutive within the confines of the basket, suggesting fragility and dependence. Their postures are relaxed, conveying a sense of peaceful coexistence or perhaps even shared slumber.
Above the scene, script in an ornate style is visible, though its precise meaning remains inaccessible without translation. Its presence suggests a narrative element, possibly a blessing or inscription intended to imbue the image with deeper significance. The placement above the figures implies that this text relates directly to them and their situation.
The subtexts within the drawing are layered and open to interpretation. The basket itself can be read as a symbol of nurture, security, and containment – a safe haven from an unspecified external threat. The two infants may represent innocence, hope, or perhaps even a nascent connection between individuals facing uncertain circumstances. The overall impression is one of quiet resilience and the enduring power of human connection in the face of adversity. The drawing evokes feelings of tenderness and contemplation, inviting viewers to ponder the meaning behind this intimate portrayal of vulnerability and shared existence.