The huge figure of Saint Christopher looms out of the dark background, as he stoops under the weight of the diminutive Christ Child. According to legend, it was only when Christopher reached the other side of the river, having carried a child across, who had seemed to get heavier and heavier, that Christ revealed his true identity. He explained to the saint that he had been carrying 'the weight of the world' on his shoulders. The nocturnal setting emphasises Christ's divine light and adds to the drama. Borgianni painted several versions of this composition.