A very artistic and very unusual portrait of a boy posing before a mirror. His face is only visible in the reflection. Part of the skylight studio is visible in the upper right corner of the mirror.
Charles Stalpaert (1824 - 1906) was born in Lier, a city in Belgium. He was active as a photographer at two addresses: Luycksbeekstraetken (from 1866 until 1871) and Rue d'Anvers, 31 (from 1871 unitl 1906). Probably active in Lierre [Lier] at an unspecified address in 1865 when he photographed a decorative float for the Ommegang (historical procession). On later mounts, "Firm founded in 1862" or "Firm founded in 1863".
His unretouched enlargements were admired during a meeting of the "Cercle d'études photographiques et scientifiques d'Anvers" on 26.1.1898. It is unclear whether he was a member of this club or whether he was even present at the meeting (Hélios Illustré, 1.2.1898). Stalpaert died at this address and was recorded as a photographer on his death certificate. Two sisters by the name of Koeck probably operated for Stalpaert at this address in the 1890s. [Directory of Belgian Photographers].

Photographer's imprint under the albumen print and on the verso.

ca.