Somov started work on this watercolour in January 1934 and entitled it 'Amour senilis'.
Yesterday I finished outlining a small composition with two figures. He is completely nude and his body turned out very correct and beautiful. Beside this sleeping youth is seated a middle-aged woman with large breasts, also naked, with a mournful expression on a face imprinted with her past beauty. She looks on at her sleeping aimé. Its title is 'Amour senilis'.
Letter dated 22 January 1934, p. 411
In his letter to his sister, Somov revealed a small secret about his work on this watercolour: Today I worked and began a new painting, the composition for which was prepared a long time ago. I transferred it on to good quality paper and began to paint with watercolour. A successful beginning, I must admit. Tomorrow, I will dampen this watercolour - sometimes it gives a very beautiful result, the colours will hardly fade but the tonalities become softer and somehow weaker - and I will lay it down on board.
Letter dated 31 January 1934, p. 412