The blue-eyed and golden-haired infant Jesus and his mother gaze directly at the viewer. Jesus tenderly clasps to his breat a goldfinch which seems to return the embrace with its outstretched wings. According to legend, a goldfinch pulled out one of the thorns from the crown of thorns at Christ's crucifixion and its plumage was splashed with Christ's blood. The presence and significance of the bird as a symbol of Christ's redeeming sacrifice is emphasised by Mary's gesture.