While Saint Joseph sleeps in the right background, Saint John the Baptist is shown on the left addressing the Virgin.

In an unusual gesture, the Virgin shelters the donor with her right arm. The donor may be Pierfrancesco Borgherini, a wealthy merchant and a friend of both Sebastiano del Piombo and Michelangelo.

The painting shows the influence of Michelangelo in its sculptural forms and colouring, and is possibly based on a design by this artist.