Madonna and Child Adored by Saints, Emilian School, 17th Century

The composition can be divided horizontally into two sections. In the upper part, the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child appear in glory among the clouds, flanked by an angel on the right and Saint Francis of Paola on the left, identified by the staff bearing a medallion inscribed with the word Charitas. The Virgin is shown conversing with the saint, while the Christ Child looks down towards the figures gathered in adoration below. In the lower part of the composition are several saints, each identifiable by their distinctive attributes.

On the right stands Saint Gertrude of Helfta, the Cistercian nun, holding a pastoral staff in one hand while pointing with the other to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on her breast. On the opposite side is a group of five male figures. From left to right, they include Saint Blaise of Sebaste, bishop and Armenian physician, holding the iron comb used for carding wool, the instrument of his martyrdom; Saint Anthony of Padua, dressed in the Franciscan habit and holding a lily; Saint Mark, writing the words of the Gospel in a book as an angel behind him whispers divine inspiration, with a lion lying at his feet; and Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, kneeling in adoration as an angel offers him the lily of purity. A crown lies discarded at his feet, symbolising his renunciation of his noble title in order to enter the Society of Jesus. Several putti move among these figures. On the left, a column rises vertically, visually connecting the two sections of the composition, while a softly rendered landscape can be glimpsed in the background.