The hidden layers of this 1520 oil on panel work offer a compelling glimpse into a private relationship. X-ray analysis has unveiled that the background was originally painted as a myrtle bush, a plant widely recognized as a symbol of profound love and passion. This revelation shifts our understanding of Raphael's High Renaissance portrayal, suggesting an initial, more overt declaration of affection for his long-time mistress, Margherita Luti, the daughter of a baker. Raphael, despite an earlier engagement, never married, indicating a deeply personal connection that likely resonated through his art. The subsequent concealment of the myrtle bush, replacing this vivid symbol, invites speculation about the evolving dynamics between artist and subject, or perhaps a deliberate choice to temper the public perception of such intimacy. It leaves a lingering question: what compelled the artist to obscure this potent emblem of devotion, and what other narratives might remain hidden beneath the surface of the painting?