Happy New Year! For your health! Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The artwork presents a young boy holding a bowl filled with water, presumably after having drunk it. He is positioned centrally within the composition, his gaze directed towards the viewer with a mixture of apprehension and quiet hopefulness. The childs clothing appears worn and simple – a dark blue jacket with a high-collared shirt – suggesting a modest socioeconomic background. A slight flush on his cheeks hints at exposure to cold weather.
The color palette is muted, dominated by earthy tones of brown, ochre, and grey, which contribute to the overall feeling of austerity and simplicity. The brushwork appears loose and expressive, lending an immediacy to the scene. The texture of the paint is visible, adding a tactile quality to the image.
Flanking the boy are inscriptions in Cyrillic script, positioned on either side within rectangular frames. These texts convey New Year’s greetings – wishes for health and happiness. Their placement suggests they are intended as celebratory messages, yet their juxtaposition with the childs demeanor creates an intriguing tension.
The presence of a few simple objects – a ceramic jug, two glasses, and a small pot – on the ledge behind the boy further emphasizes the sparseness of his surroundings. These items appear utilitarian rather than decorative, reinforcing the impression of a life lived close to necessity.
Subtly, the painting conveys a sense of social commentary. The child’s image, presented alongside festive greetings, implies an awareness of disparity – a recognition that New Years joy is not universally experienced. It suggests a desire for well-being extended even to those living in conditions of hardship. The act of drinking water, seemingly mundane, becomes symbolic of basic sustenance and the hope for health within a context of potential scarcity. The artist’s choice to depict a child evokes empathy and underscores the vulnerability of the younger generation.