Apparently of earlier date is the other version of the same subject at
the Louvre. This _Immaculate Conception_ (No. 1708) is not painted in
the same spirit of exaltation as the version just described, but has
a happy passage of realistic character-painting in the six kneeling
figures on the left. On the right two angels carry a scroll with
the inscription IN PRINCIPIO DILEXIT EAM. The picture was painted
in 1656-57 for the Church of Santa Maria la Blanca at Seville, and
was carried off to France, with many other of the master’s works, by
Marshal Soult.