The Black Hat
1889
Signed 'Anvers 1889' in the top corner, this portrait features a young girl standing stiffly in a frilly white dress, completely dwarfed by an enormous, dramatic black hat. Dutch academic painter Evert Jan Boks likely created this while in Antwerp, showcasing his impressive skill in rendering delicate fabrics and soft, youthful expressions. The oversized hat gives the child a slightly serious, almost adult-like appearance, reflecting a Victorian-era trend where children were often dressed as miniature adults to appear sophisticated. It's a charming, slightly humorous snapshot of 19th-century fashion that makes you wonder how she kept that giant hat on her head!