Types of Tolstoy. Anna. Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

Here we observe a portrait of a woman rendered in a style suggestive of late nineteenth-century illustration or printmaking. The subject is positioned against a blurred background, which serves to isolate and emphasize her figure. She is depicted from the waist up, facing slightly away from the viewer while turning her head toward us.
The artist has chosen a palette dominated by muted tones – browns, creams, and touches of deep blue – which contribute to an overall sense of melancholy or restrained drama. The woman’s attire is elaborate: she wears a dark gown with ornate detailing at the neckline, complemented by long white gloves and what appears to be a delicate fan held in her left hand. Her hair is styled in an updo, adorned with what looks like a ribbon or decorative element.
The facial expression conveys a complex mix of emotions; there’s a hint of sadness, perhaps even resignation, but also a certain dignity and composure. The gaze is directed outward, suggesting introspection or a sense of being observed. The lighting highlights her features – particularly the eyes and mouth – drawing attention to these areas where subtle nuances in emotion are most apparent.
The brushwork appears loose and somewhat impressionistic, with visible strokes that contribute to the image’s texture and visual interest. This technique lends a degree of immediacy and informality to what is otherwise a formal portrait. The inclusion of signatures at the bottom – one in Cyrillic script and another in Latin characters – indicates collaboration or attribution, suggesting this work may be part of a series or project related to literary figures.
Subtly, the composition hints at themes of societal constraint and inner turmoil. The elaborate dress could symbolize the expectations placed upon women within a rigid social structure, while her downcast gaze might suggest an underlying unhappiness or dissatisfaction with her circumstances. The blurred background further reinforces this sense of isolation – as if she is distanced from the world around her.