The Virgin Mary looks adoringly at the infant Christ while Mary Magdalene prepares a jar of
ointment (an allusion to her anointing of the adult Jesus). The scene radiates grace and beauty,
from the delicate features of Mary’s face to the classically posed figure of Christ. By blending
idealism and realism in the figures of Christ and the cherubs, Maratta, indicates that they are not
human but divine. Maratta was one of the last artists to work in the classical style of the High
Renaissance. His lavish and decorative style was popular with wealthy patrons and the Catholic
Church.