How does this artwork elucidate its Description?
The work is composed by five framed paintings with a triangular cusp, and portrays the busts of the Virgin Mary (center) and, from the left, Saints Nicholas of Bari, John the Evangelist, Peter and Benedict, identified by their names below and their traditional attributes.
Giotto made an extensive use of chiaroscuro. Details include the rich garments and the crosier of St. Nicholas, the gesture of the Child grasping at his mother's neckline and St. Peter's stole. Similar details were used by Giotto also in  Rimini Crucifix and the Stigmata of St. Francis, and have led to the 14th century dating..
Rimini Crucifix Nicholas of Bari Benedict Stigmata of St. Francis chiaroscuro Peter Giotto crosier Virgin Mary John the Evangelist