The portrait, in oils on linen, was

commissioned by the baby's proud

grandfather. Initially, it was to have

been only of the boy, but as meetings progressed, the theme of mother and

child suggested itself.

The composition was partly influenced

by Giotto's "The meeting between Joachim

and Anne at the Golden Gate", that I saw

in the Scrovegni Chapel, Padua in 2006.

This became especially meaningful, as the Benedetto family are originally from Italy.

"Laura Benedetto and son", oils on linen, 16 x 18 ins,

© Anthony Tyley, 2008