Christ on the cross is portayed naked here, except for the translucent fabric that covers his hips. His eyes are shut, signifying death, though the expression on his face is that of deep sleep. The Savior on the cross is the lord of both life and death.
All three forms are drawn in a very harmonious style and in noble postures, expressing their reserved emotional state.
Eighteen busts of saints are drawn around the border, including those of the martyrs Catherine and Christine; all are remarkable in their expressiveness and expert miniature rendition.
The inclusion of saint Catherine signifies that the icon was destined for Sinai, though the artist must have been trained in a Constantinopolitan workshop.
