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If the illustration showing the Santa Famiglia de Mino da Fiesole, the original of which is now in Florence, does not show an infant with edema it certainly presents a good imitation of it. The swollen turgid legs and feet, the ascites and the lesser involvement of the upper part of the body are all indicative. The skin is stretched and most but not all of the normal folds are obliterated. This condition is more marked than it would be in a case of obesity. Note the normal hands. Why an artist should have chosen such a child for a model is a matter of conjecture.
The Madonna shows a slight enlargement of her thyroid. St. John the Baptist, in the background, albeit well nourished, seems normal.