I was reading in the Times that Raphael’s “Madonna of the Pinks” in the National Gallery is now proven to be genuine. This is a most delightful picture and I was meditating on it for some time.

Mary’s cheeks are healthy but soft and delicate too. Her gaze on the child Jesus is intent but not really as intent as his stare on the flower held in his hand. In her other hand she holds the rest of the bunch of flowers as if she has just passed him one stem.