Angels. I am with thee and keep thee. 2 Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The composition centers on a figure identified as an angel, rendered in a style that prioritizes emotional intensity over precise detail. The artist has employed a muted palette dominated by cool blues and whites, creating a sense of ethereal distance and quiet contemplation. Light seems to emanate from within the angelic form itself, softening its edges and contributing to a dreamlike quality.
The angel’s face is positioned prominently, drawing immediate attention. It possesses an expression that is complex – a mixture of sorrow, tenderness, and perhaps even resignation. The eyes are particularly striking; they appear large and filled with a profound sadness, suggesting a burden or empathy for the suffering of others. The hair, rendered in loose brushstrokes, frames the face and adds to the overall impression of vulnerability.
The wings, partially obscured by the surrounding atmosphere, are not depicted as symbols of triumphant power but rather as delicate extensions of the figure’s being. Their form is fluid and indistinct, blending with the background and reinforcing the sense of fragility. The artist has used a technique that suggests movement or instability, implying an ongoing presence rather than a static one.
Below the image of the angel, Cyrillic script is visible. This inscription provides textual context, revealing a direct connection to a spiritual narrative. The words appear to be a protective invocation – a promise of guardianship and support. Its placement within the composition suggests that the visual representation and the written message are inextricably linked, reinforcing the theme of divine protection and solace.
The overall effect is one of profound melancholy tempered by hope. Here we see not an idealized or triumphant celestial being, but rather a compassionate presence offering comfort in times of distress. The work evokes feelings of vulnerability, empathy, and the enduring power of faith to provide solace amidst hardship.