Portret van een baby 1867 - 1888

This is a portrait of a baby, made by Johannes Wilhelmus Franciscus Offenberg. The image features a baby adorned in a white dress, a symbol of purity and innocence. Consider how the motif of the child appears across time, from Renaissance paintings of cherubic infants to ancient depictions of divine children. The image of the child often serves as a potent symbol of hope, new beginnings, and the continuity of life. Yet, the child is never just a child; it is a vessel for our projections, hopes, and fears. Here, the baby embodies the dawn of potential, unburdened by the trials of existence. This notion of a "clean slate" is deeply embedded in our collective consciousness, reflecting the cyclical nature of existence. It reminds us that every end holds the promise of a new beginning.