This study is a contemporary interpretation of the Virgin of Mercy, a popular medieval image where a group of people - often members of a guild or a family or a religious community - shelter under Mary's cloak to seek her protection. In this painting the setting is the modern city of San Francisco, and those gathering under Mary's cloak depict a range of those who live there. And the center of energy and attention is the Christ Child, who gazes at the viewer from the shelter of Mary's arms.