In 1878, when the work was created, it was acquired by the Salon of 1878, then transferred the same year to the Fabre Museum in Montpellier.

[1] The sculpture, of biblical iconography, represents the virgin standing, veiled, holding a lily in her hands.

The artist signed "E. Delaplanche 1878" on the base of the work, on which one can also read "MARIA MATER SANCTA".

The serious expression of the virgin's face allows the author to avoid giving it a childish and meek appearance.

Some contemporary critics find an air of despondency, torpor or even disillusionment to the statue.