from Malaga goes great! Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The work presents a young boy positioned at what appears to be a window or ledge, gazing out towards a seascape. He is rendered with loose brushstrokes and a limited palette dominated by muted browns, blues, and creams, contributing to a sense of immediacy and emotional vulnerability. The child’s posture – his chin resting on his hand, eyes directed outward – suggests contemplation, perhaps longing, or a melancholic introspection. His clothing consists of a blue jacket with red accents, adding a touch of vibrancy against the otherwise subdued tones.
The seascape itself is depicted in a similarly expressive style; waves are suggested by swirling brushwork and tonal variations rather than precise forms. A small sailboat drifts on the waters surface, further reinforcing themes of journey, departure, or aspiration. The background fades into an indistinct horizon, creating a sense of distance and emphasizing the boy’s isolation within the composition.
Superimposed upon the scene is Cyrillic script, positioned diagonally across the upper right quadrant. This text, seemingly a message or inscription, adds another layer of complexity to the works meaning. The presence of a wax seal in the lower right corner suggests an official document or correspondence, lending a sense of formality and perhaps hinting at a personal narrative tied to travel or relocation.
The overall effect is one of poignant sentimentality. Here we see not merely a depiction of a child looking out to sea, but rather a visual representation of separation, memory, and the emotional weight of departure. The combination of the boy’s introspective gaze, the symbolic presence of the sailboat, and the textual inscription creates a layered narrative that invites reflection on themes of home, displacement, and the passage of time.