It shows the saint who has abandoned his cadinal robes, a symbol of the abandonment of earthly power, and turns to the crucifix in prayer. at his feet is the open prayer book and a skull, a symbol of the vanitas of life. the background is composed of rugged rocks and roots, the sky is overhung by storm clouds that accentuate the drama of the scene. The colours are strongly contrasted and the purple cloak stands out in the foreground illuminated by a light coming from above. The lion, symbol of strength, can be glimpsed on the left