Like many artists at the beginning of the 17th Century, Lubin Baugin was stylistically influenced by the Fontainbleu school of painters. Although he was appointed Maître Peintre in the Guild of Saint-Germain-des Près in 1629, from 1636 onwards he spent many years in Italy and from this time the mannerism of Parmigianino, the sweetness of Correggio and the clarity of light of Guido Reni can be seen in his work. In 1641 Baugin, who became known as 'le Petit Guide', returned to Paris and in 1645 entered the Académie de Saint Luc, becoming a member of the Académie Royal in 1651. Known also for his still life paintings of flowers, Baugin executed large scale religious works for Notre Dame in Paris, as well as assisting Simon Vouet in the production of cartoons for tapestries. The present paintings can be compared with a Saint Jerome in the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Caen, as well as to the Holy Family in the National Gallery, London, Inv. no. 2293. All are typical of the small scale works produced by the artist following his return from Italy.