What we do not suitors. Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

Here we observe a depiction of two young boys engaged in what appears to be a private conversation. The composition is tightly focused on their upper bodies and faces, eliminating any background details that might offer contextual clues beyond the immediate interaction between them. Their postures suggest a degree of seriousness or concern; they are turned towards one another, heads slightly bowed, as if sharing a weighty thought.
The artist has rendered the boys with meticulous attention to detail, particularly in their facial expressions and hair texture. The boy on the left displays a more pronounced frown, his brow furrowed and lips pressed together, while the boy on the right appears to be listening intently, his gaze fixed on his companion. Their clothing is simple and somewhat worn, suggesting a modest social standing. The color palette is muted, dominated by earthy tones of brown, green, and ochre, which contributes to an overall atmosphere of somberness and introspection.
Beneath the figures, inscribed in what appears to be Cyrillic script alongside a translation, are the words What do we want to be betrayed? This inscription introduces a layer of complexity to the work. It implies that the boys conversation revolves around themes of trust, vulnerability, and potential betrayal. The question itself is unsettling, suggesting an awareness of possible deception or disloyalty within their environment.
The absence of any explicit narrative elements allows for multiple interpretations. One could read this as a commentary on childhood innocence confronted with adult complexities, the loss of naivete, or perhaps even a foreshadowing of future conflict. The boys shared concern and the unsettling question they pose invite viewers to contemplate the fragility of relationships and the potential for disappointment in human interactions. The work’s power lies not in providing answers but in prompting reflection on these universal themes.