After Leonardo da Vinci

The present painting is one of several known versions after an original by Leonardo, probably commissioned by Florimund Robertet, the Secretary of State for Louis XII of France. A picture with a strong claim to being the original is in the collection of the Duke of Buccleuch.

The yarnwinder is symbolic of both Mary's domestic role and of the Cross on which Christ was crucified. It may also refer to the Fates, depicted as spinners in classical mythology, and responsible for cutting the thread of life.