Columbus' youth and beauty is contrasted to to the prostrate worshipper. He holds up of the stave of the phallic banner. The Madonna is sublimated with a golden halo. Her white robes flow down, forming the clothing of the young man and even trailing to touch the sorry hands of the penitent worshipper. The gift of love which we can but glimpse, but whose transient touch makes the gloom worthwhile. The infinite is at the top and bottom of the picture. the spiral studded omphalos, the heavens.