The representation of the Virgin of Atocha was probably a private commission. The original paintings' frame also boast the same mother-of-pearl inlay technique, with decorative motifs including a simple combination of flowers, petals and birds.

 

The motif of the Virgin and Child has been taken from the sculpture of the Virgin of Atocha in the Basilica of Our Lady of Atocha in Madrid. In primitive times when the prevailing custom was to dress religious images, the Virgin of Atocha, dressed and covered in opulent robes with just her face and hands bare, looked almost life-size. Currently, stripped of her robes, the image looks like a nonpolychrome wooden statuette, sat on a throne, the symbol of royalty and the seat knowledge.

 

This exquisite painting with mother-of-pearl inlay is true to the original iconography of the Virgin of Atocha. The mother-of-pearl inlay is arranged on the clothes of the Virgin and the Infant, thereby recreating the rich robes possessed by the Virgin. On these irregular pieces of mother-of-pearl, oil paint and gilding has been used to depict the folds and varying details making up the rich quilting of the Virgin of Atocha's opulent attire. The crescent moon held by the angel on the base is also encrusted with mother-of-pearl. The mother-of-pearl inlay reflects the light thereby lending the work a special sort of iridescent luminosity. The faces of the Virgin and the infant are oil-painted in a dark brown color. The crown and radiance are painted in the same manner. Like the painting, the frame presents mother-of-pearl inlay and oil paint, depicting delicate flowers and birds.