Focus on this artwork and explain the Description.
The panel's subject is a Holy Conversation, inspired by similar works from the Venetian area, such as Antonello da Messina's San Cassiano Altarpiece and its derivations by Giovanni Bellini and others. Similarities include the green canvas hanging behind Mary's throne, continuing in the broccato carpet at her feet. Also of the same origin is the central cartouche with the artist's signature, derived from  Flemish painting and introduced in Italy by Paduan artists.
The scene comprises two levels: on the upper one are the Virgin and the blessing Child, with the saints John the Baptist, Peter, perhaps Antony of Padua and Francis, and, at the sides, two small angels. The upper saints (with the exception of St. Peter) are of poorer quality, and were perhaps executed by the artist's workshop. Those in the foreground, which were less hastily painted, are a bishop and St. Jerome sitting and writing. The latter resembles that painted by Domenico Ghirlandaio in the church of Ognissanti at Florence.
A classical element is the frieze with the Centauromachy, which cites a sarcophagus discovered in the early 15th century at Cortona (not far from Volterra).
Giovanni Bellini Virgin St. Jerome St. Peter Child John the Baptist Domenico Ghirlandaio Holy Conversation Italy Antonello da Messina San Cassiano Altarpiece Venetian area Peter Jerome Centauromachy Flemish painting Volterra Ognissanti Cortona