Vasari mentions it as being in the house of a Modenese doctor, Francesco Grillenzoni; in 1582 Cardinal Luigi d'Este bought it, and presented it to Catarina Nobili Sforza, Countess of Santa Fiora and grand-niece of Pope Julius III.

[3] Correggio first depicted this subject in another painting originally held in Naples (and not universally accepted as his work).

The Louvre picture dates from the early 1520s, and it shows clear signs of Leonardo's influence (esp.

lips, hands, visage), to which Correggio was particularly susceptible in his endeavour to convey a soft and graceful effect.

It has often been a source of inspiration to artists: in the 19th century it was copied by Louis Gustave Ricard, and several times by Fantin-Latour.