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The Madonna Benois is attributed to Leonardo through preparatory drawings. Some areas were damaged when it was transferred from panel to canvas, but have since been painted over. The bottom is marked by a bench which the figures are seated and the rounded top focuses the attention on the figures. The central axis of this picture runs directly through the two figures, Mary slightly to the left, holding the infant Jesus on the right. There is nothing here to distract the viewer from the two figures, which adds to the intimacy felt in the painting.