Through this reference to the rulers of antiquity, Raphael alludes to Christ's and Mary's roles as the king and queen of Heaven.

The chiaroscuro effects (modeling in light and shade) and gentle coloring give the figures a soft, delicate appearance.

The painting relies heavily on the participation of Raphael's workshop, and the two angels certainly were done by his assistants.

This was the first Madonna painted by Raphael to enter a North American collection.

[1] The central portion of the painting was issued as the traditional holiday first class Christmas stamp for 2011 by the United States Postal Service.