PROVENANCE: Earl of Caledon, London; Earl of Caledon's sale, Christie's, London, June 9, 1939, lot 9, William Permain, London; David Koetser, Zurich, 1965; BJU, 1965.

Catena's work reflects the distinctly Venetian style begun by Giovanni Bellini. Other artists, such as Giorgione, Titian, and Sebastiano del Piombo, also influenced Catena's work.

Pairs of partridges appear in many of Catena's paintings. They refer to the quails God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness, and they symbolize God's providence and omnipotence. The orb in the Christ Child's hands symbolizes Christ's sovereignty and His role as the Savior of the world.

In this painting, the artist creates an aura of calm by using warm, saturated color to offset the stiff angularity of the garment folds.