Madonna and Child with Saint Francis and Saint Anthony of Padua

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 the Virgin and Child 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 the saints may be a reminder to the viewer of Christ's future suffering.