In the new year will be 101 suitors, a loved one! Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The composition presents two young figures engaged in what appears to be a private exchange. The artist has positioned them against a dark, undefined background, which serves to isolate and emphasize their interaction. Both individuals are depicted from the chest upwards, cropped at the shoulders, further concentrating attention on their facial expressions and gestures.
On the left, a boy is shown with a broad smile, his eyes crinkled in amusement or perhaps playful anticipation. His hair is light-colored and somewhat disheveled, suggesting youthful energy. He wears a garment of reddish-brown hue, accented by a lighter green band across his chest. The clothing appears simple, indicative of a modest social standing.
To the right stands a girl, her face partially obscured by a headscarf adorned with a patterned design. Her posture is more reserved; she looks down and away from the boy, suggesting shyness or perhaps a degree of contemplation. She wears a brown garment that blends somewhat with the background, further contributing to her subdued presence.
Above the figures, Cyrillic script is inscribed in an elegant hand. The text appears to be a playful prediction or wish – “In the new year will be 101 suitors, a loved one!” This inscription provides crucial context for interpreting the scene. It suggests that the interaction between the two children is imbued with romantic possibility and future prospects.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of childhood innocence, burgeoning affection, and societal expectations surrounding courtship. The boys exuberance contrasts with the girls quietness, hinting at differing personalities or perhaps a nascent awareness of social dynamics. The inscription introduces an element of humor and lightheartedness, but also subtly alludes to the pressure placed on young women to secure a suitable match.
The artist’s choice of color palette – dominated by warm earth tones – contributes to the overall feeling of intimacy and domesticity. The limited detail in the background reinforces the focus on the children themselves and their relationship, leaving room for interpretation regarding their social context or individual stories.