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The effect of this painting, which has warm tones and lacks decorative elements, is based on the contrast of the dark surfaces and those picked out by the strong light. The forms seem to emerge from the background. The contrived, twisted pose of the Child, his tender caressing gesture, and the search of eye contact with the viewer are features that must have greatly pleased the contemporary commissioners. The fact that the composition survives in several other versions also proves its one time popularity.
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