Of this work Michael Angelo, himself a disciple of Savonarola, said that art could go no further.

We are therefore justified in assuming that the engraver has not only represented faithfully the outline of Savonarola's face, but has also indicated his peculiar expression.

A thick hood covers the whole head and shoulders.
Beneath it can be traced the curve of a long and somewhat flat skull, rounded into extraordinary fullness at the base and side.

From a deeply sunken eye-socket emerges, scarcely seen, but powerfully felt, the eye that blazed with lightning.

The nose is strong, prominent, and aquiline, with wide nostrils, capable of terrible dilation under the stress of vehement emotion.