If you chase two hares, you won’t catch one Vladimir Taburin (1870-1954)

The artwork presents a pastoral scene populated by three young boys on a gently sloping hillside. The composition is dominated by a sense of disappointment and thwarted ambition. Here we see two figures actively engaged in pursuit – one boy runs ahead, his body angled forward with an energetic stride, while the second boy follows closely behind, reaching out as if to assist or compete. Their clothing suggests modest means; simple shirts, short trousers, and worn shoes are evident.
The third boy stands slightly apart from the others, his posture conveying dejection. His head is bowed, and one hand rests on his chest in a gesture of sorrow or resignation. The positioning of this figure creates a visual triangle within the composition, drawing attention to his isolation and contrasting with the dynamism of the chasing pair.
The landscape itself contributes to the narrative. A dense thicket of trees occupies the background, obscuring any clear destination for the pursuit. This suggests an unattainable goal or a futile endeavor. The foliage is rendered in a textured manner, using visible brushstrokes that add depth and visual interest. Light falls unevenly across the scene, highlighting certain areas while leaving others in shadow, which further emphasizes the emotional disparity between the boys.
The inscription at the bottom of the image reinforces the narrative’s subtext. It explicitly states a proverb about attempting to pursue multiple goals simultaneously – a cautionary tale against division of focus and the potential for failure. The overall impression is one of childhood disillusionment, illustrating a universal lesson about prioritization and the consequences of overextension. The artist has skillfully employed composition, posture, and setting to convey this message with poignant clarity.