The polyptych had been originally commissioned for the Abbey of San Pietro at Perugia, the contract having been signed by Perugino on 8 March 1495.

It included a large altarpiece and several panels, within a wooden frame by Domenico da Verona.

The altarpiece, depicting the Ascension of Christ, was to have a lunette with the God in Glory between Angels above it, while the predella had not been exactly defined.

Contemporary art historian Giorgio Vasari considered the predella Perugino's best work in his home city.

At the sides were two columns which supported the frame arch and which, at the bases, were decorated by three small panels with Saints, sharing the same background.