This painting was traditionally attributed to Camillo Procaccini (1551/55–1629) and was engraved as such in 1803 by Giuseppe Longhi. It may well be a mature work by Procaccini because of its clear affinities with the graceful, tender religious art of Federico Barocci. Il Cerano by contrast was indebted to northern mannerist artists and treated religious subjects, with a disturbing intensity. If this painting is by Cerano, it must be a very early work. A small 'Visitation' by Cerano (Musée des Beaux Arts, Dijon) also on copper, which is certainly close in the handling of draperies and physiognomy, may be a pendant and both pictures would date from c.1598–1600.