Even though Carl, but not XII-th. Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The drawing presents a young boy seated at a small table, his posture suggesting introspection or perhaps melancholy. He is dressed in white garments and a vibrant red-and-white patterned headscarf that provides a striking contrast against the muted tones of the background and clothing. The child’s gaze is directed downwards, focused on the objects arranged before him on the tabletop.
The table itself is cluttered with miniature figures – soldiers, it appears – along with what seems to be a small container or cup. These elements are rendered in a somewhat crude style, suggesting they might be toys or representations of something larger and more complex. The arrangement feels deliberately chaotic, yet contained within the boundaries of the tabletop.
The background is loosely sketched, employing washes of grey and brown that create an atmospheric depth without providing specific details. This indistinctness serves to emphasize the central figure and his immediate surroundings. A signature appears in the upper left corner, rendered in a cursive script. Beneath the table, handwritten text is visible, adding another layer of meaning to the scene.
The subtexts within this drawing are layered and potentially ironic. The presence of toy soldiers suggests themes of war, power, or perhaps childhood games of authority. However, the boy’s downcast expression and posture imply a sense of disillusionment or resignation rather than playful engagement. The title inscribed beneath the table – Even though Carl, but not XII-th – introduces an element of personal narrative and hints at a rejection of expectations or a deviation from a prescribed path. It suggests that while the boy might embody certain qualities (represented by the name “Carl”), he does not conform to a specific category or role (not XII-th).
The drawing, therefore, seems to explore themes of identity, conformity, and the complexities of childhood experience, using a combination of visual symbolism and textual commentary. The artist has created an intimate portrait that invites contemplation on the individual’s relationship to societal roles and personal aspirations.