We are facing a work of Renaissance style sculpted in alabaster, a ductile material that allows for delicate work and a brilliant finish. The reclining figure corresponds to Juan de Vargas, who died in 1525 and was buried in the convent of Santa Isabel d'Alba de Tormes, in Salamanca. We identify the character thanks to the inscription engraved on the top of the box. Originally it was sheltered under an arcosoli decorated with heraldry and ornamental plant motifs and with paintings on tables in the background.

The deceased is young and his handsome features show a naturalistic taste. It has a well-sculpted head that is possibly portrait-like. He is dressed in the armor of a knight from the beginning of the 16th century. At the feet, a dog has been sculpted, a symbol of fidelity, which is in charge of watching over the rest of its master. On the front side of the tomb is represented the heraldic emblem of the family flanked by vegetal motifs. It stands out on the left hand side  papaver somniferum  or opium flower, funerary symbol of classical tradition.

Juan de Vargas belonged to one of the noble families who were precisely the ones who promoted this kind of funerary sculpture to leave a memory of the importance of their lineages.

The inscription on the slat to the right of the box frame has been interpreted as that of the possible author of the sarcophagus, a sculptor unknown until today named Ruiz.