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

The drawing presents a scene dominated by stark contrasts between light and shadow, rendered in monochrome. A solitary figure, silhouetted against a backdrop of dense vegetation, occupies the left portion of the composition. The individual is clad in what appears to be rural attire, topped with a cap that obscures facial features, contributing to an overall sense of anonymity.
The figure stands near a weathered wooden structure – a fence or gate – that provides a vertical counterpoint to the horizontal expanse of grass and foliage. Suspended from this structure are various objects, possibly tools or implements related to agricultural labor, adding a layer of contextual detail. A rope extends from the figure’s hand towards the structure, suggesting an interaction with it.
The foreground is characterized by a profusion of stylized grasses and plants, meticulously rendered to create texture and depth. The artist employed dense hatching to convey the density of this natural environment.
To the right of the central figure, Cyrillic text occupies a significant portion of the space. This textual element immediately establishes the work as having literary origins or being an illustration accompanying written material. A decorative string with bells is placed at the bottom edge of the image, adding a touch of whimsy and perhaps hinting at a narrative element involving sound or celebration.
The overall effect is one of quiet observation and understated melancholy. The silhouette technique emphasizes form over detail, creating a sense of distance between the viewer and the subject. The scene evokes themes of rural life, solitude, and possibly, a connection to folklore or traditional narratives given the presence of the bells and the textual context. The absence of color reinforces this feeling of austerity and introspection.