For the very first meeting. Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The drawing presents a young child seated behind what appears to be a low barrier or table. The figure is rendered in muted earth tones, primarily browns and creams, contributing to a sense of age and perhaps fragility. The childs gaze is directed outward, seemingly fixed on something beyond the frame; it conveys an expression that blends apprehension with curiosity.
The artist has emphasized the child’s features – large eyes, full cheeks, and short, tousled hair – creating a portrait that evokes both vulnerability and resilience. The clothing, a simple jacket with a high collar, suggests modesty or perhaps even a degree of hardship. The texture of the fabric is indicated through subtle variations in shading, adding depth to the depiction.
Below the figure, script in an unfamiliar language occupies the lower portion of the composition. Its presence introduces an element of mystery and invites speculation about its significance within the works intended meaning. It could be a dedication, a quote, or perhaps even part of a narrative that is not immediately accessible to the viewer without linguistic knowledge.
The overall effect is one of quiet introspection. The limited palette, combined with the child’s direct gaze and the enigmatic inscription, suggests themes of anticipation, transition, and the weight of unspoken narratives. Theres an underlying sense of melancholy, but also a hint of hope or potential embedded within the image.