Virgen de la Leche with Saint Bernard and Saint Benedict

The leisurely drawing, the childlike appearance of the figures with their small mouths and large eyes, and the soft colour palette lend this composition a delicacy which is heightened by certain refinements such as the tendrils and plant motifs etched into the gilt background, or the reddish flooring. The Virgin appears from amidst the clouds, and milk spurts from her right breast towards the mouth of Saint Bernard, who is standing beside Saint Benedict. According to the legend, this supernatural breastfeeding endowed Saint Bernard with the gift of eloquence.