The plain and dark background contrasts with the Virgin's radiant bowed head and the white headdress covering it, and her hands are gently closed together.

Bright light draws the viewer's attention to the luminous blue drapery and the lifelike folds of the fabric.

The Virgin is brightly lit and her flawless porcelain-like skin lends a sculptural quality to the painting and makes the audience feel to be in her real presence.

The bright light from her blue robe combined with the dark background makes the central figure look more brilliant.

[2] Sassoferrato specialised in depicting the Virgin in prayer, a subject which had developed in art in the 15th-century, but had grown in popularity in the 16th-century as the Reformers of the Roman Catholic Church advocated a more personal approach to worship that would result in individual contemplation and devotion.