As the Virgin of Humility, Mary sits close to the ground on an ornate throne. She reaches up to offer an apple to the Christ Child, alluding to his role as the "new Adam" and savior of humankind. Seemingly caught by surprise, he struggles to keep his balance and adopts a pose with outstretched arms, which refers to his eventual crucifixion. Mary turns to address us, prompting the reading of the devotional book oriented in the direction of the viewer. Occupying almost half the composition, the Virgin's robe is like a great unruly sea of ultramarine blue. As Albrecht Durer noted on his trip to the Netherlands in 1520�21, this coveted pigment made from lapis lazuli was available in Antwerp but was as costly as gold. The palatial setting of the composition and the extravagant use of this pigment suggest a courtly commission. (http://www.metmuseum.org)