Notice the gaze of the woman in green who watches the gazing subject. This is the moment of capture and insight for the viewer; the awareness of being seen by another and what that brings to mind, though the subject of the gaze here is unaware, is the production of self in another’s gaze. The exchange is palpable.
In the gaze of the other 
It’s as if she is watching for a clue as to how to respond. The same with the child below the main subject.
Yes, the gaze is thematized throughout.