According to The Golden Legend, Saint Lucy had bestowed her wealth on the poor, in gratitude for the miraculous healing of her mother.

Denounced as a Christian by her own suitor who wrongly suspected her of infidelity, she refused to recant, offered her chastity to Christ, and was sentenced to be dragged to a brothel.

She was pierced by a knife in the throat and, where she fell, the church of Santa Lucia al Sepolcro in Syracuse was built.

There his Roman companion Mario Minniti helped him get a commission for the present altarpiece.

Caravaggio painted it in 1608, for the Franciscan church of Santa Lucia al Sepolcro.