Silhouette. Types of Sketches Turgenev Burmistr 1883. 2 Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The drawing presents a solitary figure rendered entirely in silhouette against a stark white background. The subject appears to be a man, positioned in profile and facing left. He is clad in what seems to be a long coat or overcoat, the fabric falling in loose folds that suggest movement or a slight breeze. A hat sits atop his head, partially obscuring the upper portion of his face. In his right hand, he holds an object – likely a walking stick or cane – which adds a sense of formality and perhaps age to his demeanor.
The lower portion of the composition is occupied by a cluster of stylized grasses or reeds, providing a grounding element for the figure while also contributing to a feeling of isolation. The vegetation appears somewhat chaotic in its arrangement, contrasting with the rigid linearity of the man’s form.
The absence of tonal variation – the complete reliance on silhouette – is significant. It eliminates any possibility of detailed observation of facial features or nuanced expression. Instead, it emphasizes the outline and posture, inviting speculation about the subjects internal state. The figure’s stance suggests contemplation; he seems lost in thought, gazing into an unseen distance.
The inscription at the bottom, rendered in a script that appears to be Cyrillic, further contextualizes the work without explicitly identifying its subject. It serves as a textual anchor, hinting at a narrative or biographical connection beyond what is visually presented. The overall effect is one of quiet melancholy and introspection – a portrait not of a person, but of an idea or a mood.