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The plain marble sarcophagus is decorated with eight rectangular narrative reliefs which relate in a thoroughly classical narrative sequence the end of the career, the death, after-life and posthumous fame of a medical professor: a theme that could apply equally to either the older (Girolamo, d. 1506) or the younger (Marcantonio, d. 1511) Della Torre.
The picture shows Della Torre Teaching. The narrative presents Della Torre instructing a small group of students. Seated in front of a palm tree and at the feet of a statue of Minerva, the professor holds an open book from which he lectures. At his feet are more objects of learning - a book and an armillary sphere. The statue of Minerva illustrates that this is place of learning and wisdom and may also be understood to identify the discipline of the professor as that of medicine. Behind the professor are four somewhat enigmatic figures.
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