The first was created in 1949, measuring 49 x 37.5 centimetres (19.3 x 14.8 in), and is housed in the Haggerty Museum of Art at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

Dalí presented it to Pope Pius XII in an audience for approval, which was granted.

Dalí created a second painting in 1950 with the same title and same themes, with various poses and details changed, measuring 275.3 x 209.8 centimetres (108.4 x 82.6 in).

[1] The paintings depict a seated Madonna (posed by Dalí's wife, Gala) with the infant Christ on her lap.

Both figures have rectangular holes cut into their torsos, suggestive of their transcendent status.