The iconography is taken from a mosaic made by Lello da Orvieto in the fourteenth century, present in the Cathedral of Naples, inside the Basilica dedicated to Santa Restituta, depicting the Madonna sitting on a throne and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove
The canvas is certainly datable in the last years of the painter’s life and, under the careful supervision of his father, it may have been completed for the most part by one of his daughters, almost certainly Mariangela, started by his father to painting and his collaborator in some works out of his studio, with the signature on the back.
Bernardo De Dominici in "Le Vite de' pittori, scultori ed architetti napoletani", Naples 1742 III vol. writes about her:
"Mariangiola De Matteis, who under his direction drew reasonably to the competition of the best Pupils of the Father. She exercises herself in painting with praise, and more in making portraits, which are well rewarded with various presents from those who have the lot of being depicted by her."
inside antique frame with black and gold lacquer