What sets the Alba Madonna apart from other Madonnas is its highly naturalistic portrayal of the Virgin and Child. The Virgin is shown in a relaxed pose, with her arm draped around the Christ child, who is shown looking directly at the viewer. The painting also features a number of other details that are unusual for a Madonna painting, such as the inclusion of a sleeping cat in the foreground and a beautiful landscape in the background. These details help to create a sense of intimacy and domesticity in the painting, which is reinforced by the use of soft colors and subtle shading.
The Alba Madonna is also significant for its use of sfumato, a technique that involves blending colors and edges to create a sense of softness and atmospheric haze. Raphael's use of sfumato in this painting is particularly evident in the Virgin's face and hands, which are blended seamlessly into the background. This technique helps to create a sense of spirituality and mystery in the painting, which is further enhanced by the use of a dark, shadowy background.