Picturing the Virgin Mary nursing the Christ child is the oldest manner of representing the pair dating back to the third century. The tender act emphasizes the child’s fragile humanity as well as Mary’s status as compassionate advocate for mankind. The gold star on her shoulder is metaphorical and makes reference to the idea of the coming of the Christ child as the ‘bright star of dawn, heralding a new age.

The base of the frame is original. Note the lozenge at lower middle: it has been repainted, but underneath is a coat of arms, which confirms that the painting was made for a family and served as a private devotional altarpiece in a home, making the intimate moment between mother and child all the more poignant.