Mary watches over the baby Jesus' sleep

This work, whose subject is related to the infancy of Christ, is attributed to Guido Reni. In the upper right quarter of the scene, the Virgin watch serenely at Jesus, who sleeps in the lower half of the painting.

The Virgin wears a crimson tunic under a dark blue cloak and her head is covered by a veil in pearly pink tones. This clothing introduces the main chromatic contrasts in the work: the cold tones of her clothing harmonise with the child's paleness, while the carmine of the robe adds a warm touch that dialogues with the golden tone of Jesus' hair.

The Child rests with one arm flexed beneath his face, in a relaxed position and facing the left side of the room. The sinuous line that marks his body contrasts with the verticality of the pink curtain that closes the composition on that side.

This piece stands out for its rich colour and the use of light to model the volumes of the child's body. The composition conveys an atmosphere of serene tranquillity, both through Jesus' peaceful sleep and Mary's recollected attitude. Her body, arranged diagonally, adds dynamism to the painting, while her praying hands become the visual focus of the scene.