The Madonna of the Basket

The subject is an unusual one of the Virgin dressing the Christ Child. The jacket into which he has put one arm has been made by the Virgin; wool of the same colour is in the basket beside her. Saint Joseph is busy with his carpentry in the background. The outstretching of Christ's arms may be taken to foreshadow his Crucifixion.

This painting has been dated to about 1524 on the strength of stylistic comparisons with the 'Pietà' (Parma, Galleria Nazionale). A number of copies are known. This picture has always been accepted as the original of the design. It is in superlative condition.