Portret van een zittende baby, aangeduid als Paul Verstraete 1895 - 1920

This small portrait of a seated baby, thought to be Paul Verstraete, was made by G. Lievens, but we don't know exactly when. The baby sits squarely, looking at the viewer with a kind of solemn curiosity. The image is captured in shades of grey, which adds to the overall quietness of the scene. It's as though time is standing still, and we're invited to pause and reflect on the fleeting nature of childhood. I wonder what Lievens was thinking as they framed this shot. Did they try to capture the innocence and purity of the baby, or were they more interested in the formal aspects of the composition? Maybe they were just trying to create a beautiful image that would stand the test of time. It is a tender and intimate glimpse into the past, reminding us of the universal human experience. In many ways, art is a conversation across time, with artists responding to and building upon the work of those who came before them. This piece might have inspired countless other artists to explore the themes of childhood, family, and memory in their own work, each bringing their unique perspective to the dialogue.