This picture depicts Christ and his mother, and was originally painted as a devotional work for a domestic setting.

The man depicted in the background is thought to have been a patron of the artist who likely paid extra to have his portrait included in the composition.

Bellini’s paintings were prized for their aesthetic qualities. His abandonment of traditional egg tempera (paint made from eggs) in favour of oil paint allowed him to develop a style that offered a much richer colour, tone and realism.