sun bakes. Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The composition presents a young girl standing within a field of tall grasses and wildflowers. The perspective is slightly elevated, allowing for a broad view of the landscape that stretches into a hazy distance. Sunlight appears to bathe the scene, contributing to a sense of warmth and stillness.
The child’s posture suggests weariness; her head is bowed, and she seems to be looking down at the bundle of wildflowers she carries in her arms. Her clothing – a dark dress with a white collar – is simple and practical, indicative of rural life. The artist has rendered her features with a degree of softness, avoiding any harshness or overt sentimentality.
The background is dominated by the undulating field, painted with loose brushstrokes that convey texture and movement. The color palette is muted, primarily consisting of yellows, browns, and greens, which reinforces the impression of a sun-drenched summer day. A dark, almost black border frames the entire scene, creating a sense of enclosure and drawing attention to the central figure and landscape.
Inscribed in Cyrillic script along the right edge are lines of text that appear to be poetic or reflective in nature. The presence of this inscription adds another layer of meaning, suggesting an attempt by the artist to convey not only a visual scene but also a deeper emotional or philosophical message. It is difficult to ascertain the precise content without translation, however, it seems likely that the words relate to themes of time, memory, and perhaps the fleeting nature of beauty.
The painting evokes a feeling of quiet melancholy. The child’s posture, combined with the muted colors and the inscription, suggests a contemplation on the passage of time and the simple joys of rural existence. It is not merely a depiction of a girl in a field; it seems to be an exploration of themes related to childhood, labor, and the enduring power of nature.