FRANCESCO FRANCIA

Placed in the Virgin’s lap, the Christ Child grasps his mother’s thumb with one hand in a childlike manner while raising his other hand in a very adult gesture of blessing. Flanking them are St. Anthony of Padua, who carries white lilies symbolizing the purity of the Virgin, and St. Francis of Assisi, who holds his simple cross of reeds. The solemn facial expressions on the faces of the Virgin and saints may be a reminder to the viewer of Christ’s future suffering.