"The Young Virgin"

Here, as in so many of his works, there is a rich stream of symbolism including the jug of water, the basket with the white cloth, and the flowers at the Virgin's feet all of which symbolize purity, loyalty, and spiritual maturity. Furthermore, the book of sacred writings on the table to Mary's right denotes her life of prayer, and to her left, the richly decorated vase of flowers symbolizes her virtues.  

This image amounts to more than a young girl at work. She is rather the embodiment of the most holy female in the Christian faith.   Zurbarán used the high drama of a soft glowing light that reflects off her face and surrounds her head in a halo-like fashion. This serves to make Mary's holiness clear as she looks upward from her domestic responsibilities towards heaven foreshadowing the future connection she will have with God and the important role she will play in the life of Christ.