The layout is that of the Holy Conversation typical of the Venetian tradition, largely owed to works by Bellini himself, with an arch opening to a landscape in the background, and three figures of saints.

Instead of the usual throne with the Virgin, there is St. Jerome, portrayed as a hermit, on a rock, while reading the Bible.

The latter had been originally identified as St. Augustine based on text on the book (De civitate Dei), which was later revealed to be apocryphal, as it is not placed on the front cover.

Basing on the presence of lilies on the cloak, those of the House of Anjou, the character has been recognized as St. Louis of Toulouse.

The arch above him is a symbol of the Catholic church, and has a Greek inscription of the Psalm 14, referring to St. Jerome as the sage mentioned in it.