The carpentry of the triptych is so similar to that of a small triptych in the Gambier Parry Collection (Courtauld Institute, London) that it is likely to be the work of the same craftsman; in that triptych the Nativity is also identical to this one. The Courtauld triptych is classified as by a follower of Nardo di Cione; at present this triptych is attributed to the workshop of Nardo’s younger brother, Jacopo di Cione.

In the central panel the Virgin and Christ share the same throne; Christ, wearing a tall pointed crown, places an identical crown on the Virgin’s head with both hands. One either side of them are five saints, in three tiers and symmetrically paired. At the top St Paul (left) is paired with St Peter (right); in the middle tier Sts Bartholomew and Stephen (left) are paired with St James and an unidentified saint (right); at the lowest tier Sts Anthony Abbot and Catherine (left) correspond to a bishop (possibly St Zenobius) and Mary Magdalene (right). In a trefoil in the gable above Christ is shown with a book and his hand raised in blessing. The two wings are designed to close over the central scene like shutters, their backs painted in imitation of wood grain with a marble frame. When open, the wings contain an Annunciation in their upper sections, the Angel Gabriel on the left panel (his wings neatly fitting the apex of the triangle) and the Virgin interrupted in her reading on the right. The main scene on the left wing is the Nativity, with one angel appearing to one shepherd in the background. The main scene on the right wing is the Crucifixion with the Virgin and St John.