This painting is one of two similar images by Maso, the other is in Prato Cathedral. The mood of this painting reflects the strong re-affirmation of Catholic faith during the Counter-Reformation. The facial expression and body language of the Christ Child convey excitement and joy as he and an angel gaze upwards to heaven and God the Father. Behind the Child, a youthful St. John the Baptist looks down smiling. There is no biblical basis for his inclusion with the Virgin and Child and the idea first occurs in the art of the Italian Renaissance.