Artus Quellinus the Younger was the cousin and student of Artus the Elder, who is perhaps best known for the work he did on the decoration of the Town Hall in Amsterdam in the 1650s and early '60s. Artus the Younger collaborated on this large decorative project; however, he also went on to establish a successful career as an independent sculptor. The present relief is closely related to a small terracotta model by Artus II, which was a study for a predella panel for the altar of the Virgin in the cathedral at Antwerp. Both reliefs exhibit a similar composition, with the Virgin displaying a strong sense of upward, diagonal movement, supported below by several cherubs (op.cit., no. 124).