Silhouette 14 Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The artwork presents a stark contrast between light and dark, employing a silhouette technique that eliminates detail in favor of form and suggestion. Here we see two children positioned before a decorated evergreen tree, its apex marked by a prominent star. The composition is centered around this tree, which dominates the visual field and serves as a focal point for the scene.
One child, rendered with an outstretched arm towards the tree, appears to be reaching or interacting with it. A domestic cat sits attentively nearby, adding a touch of familiarity and warmth to the arrangement. The second child is depicted in profile, engrossed in reading from what seems to be a small book or scroll held close. Several wrapped gifts are clustered at the base of the tree and on a low table, further reinforcing an atmosphere of anticipation and celebration. A small figurine stands near the edge of the composition, seemingly observing the scene.
The absence of shading creates a sense of mystery and invites speculation about the narrative unfolding. The stark black forms evoke a feeling of nostalgia or perhaps even a stylized representation of memory. The children’s postures suggest innocence and wonder, while the act of reading implies education and tradition.
Subtly, the work hints at themes of family, domesticity, and the passage of time. The silhouette style lends itself to an almost timeless quality; it could represent any moment of childhood joy or a cherished holiday memory. The limited palette emphasizes the symbolic weight of each element, allowing for multiple interpretations and fostering a sense of quiet contemplation in the viewer.