On the left in the woodcut is Saint Stephen, whose martyrdom is symbolised by the palm branch and the stones he is holding. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. He was stoned to death during riots against the early congregation. In the middle is Pope Sixtus II, who suffered martyrdom on 6 August 258 during the reign of the Emperor Valerianus. Saint Sixtus is holding a purse in one hand and his papal cross in the other. On his head he is wearing his triple crown or tiara. Saint Lawrence, whose emblems are a book and a gridiron, is standing on the Pope's right-hand side.

Sixtus' position in the centre of the picture emphasises his importance. The woodcut is believed to have been made in honour of Sixtus Tucher, who was Provost of the Church of St. Lawrence in Nürnberg in 1493-1503. St. Lawrence was Saint Sixtus' deacon. He was roasted to death on a gridiron over a slow fire in 258. He is said to have said to his torturers: "Turn me over, I'm done on this side." The reason for Saint Stephen's presence in the picture has not been established.

The figures are depicted as exaggeratedly tall. Dürer's monogram is on the slanted tablet at the foot of the Papal cross.

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