Carte de visite photograph depicting Charles Verlat in a staged studio scene, produced by J. Maes of Antwerp, circa 1860s–1870s. Verlat is shown seated at an easel, working on a portrait while posed in profile, the composition emphasizing both the act of painting and the constructed theatricality of the studio setting. The imprint “J. Maes Phot., Anvers” appears along the lower mount, with a decorative studio backmark reading “Photographie Maes, Place du Musée, Anvers.”

The armless subject is dressed in a dark coat and is positioned beside an ornate easel holding a framed oval portrait. His leg is extended toward the canvas, with a brush held in his foot at the level of the sitter’s face, creating a striking and unusual composition. A fringed stool, artist’s box, and additional framed works are arranged around him, reinforcing the artistic theme. The backdrop is plain with light spotting, focusing attention on the figure and the act of painting.

The reverse bears a handwritten inscription reading “Charles Verlat,” along with a number. Verlat (1824–1890) was a prominent Belgian painter and professor at the Antwerp Academy, known for historical scenes and animal subjects. The image presents as a carefully constructed studio portrait highlighting his identity as an artist, with a distinctive and memorable pose.