In the 14th century, Sienese art took a decidedly narrative turn with the rise in popularity of altars adorned with predellas depicting episodes from the lives of the saints represented in the upper part of the work.

These two panels from a predella are a good example. They were part of a narrative cycle on the life of St Paul, from his conversion to his beheading. Luca di Tommè strives to give each character an attitude of great expressiveness.

While preaching, St Paul makes use of gestures to accompany his words that are as "sharp as a sword". In front of him, Jewish priests, recognisable by their pointy hats, discuss and argue, while the women in the background seem convinced. The small character kneeling on the platform is probably the donor.

On the second panel, the implacable gestures of the Emperor Nero herald the conviction of Paul who is being led there by Roman soldiers. Their shields are decorated with the letters S.P.Q.R. – Senatus Populusque Romanus.

These urban scenes are extremely lively and render the story readable and immediate. Since Duccio, the depiction of city life has been a characteristic of Sienese painting.