This picture forms part of the small group of Vouet’s works which are strongly caravaggesque and without any of the decorative elements associated with his later work. The dramatic lighting and sharp focus on the face demonstrate how close is the debt to Caravaggio. Vouet painted a number of single figures during his Italian period c1613-14–1627 as most of his work consisted of major altarpieces for Roman churches.  On stylistic grounds the closest parallel is with the David with the head of Goliath in the Palazzo Bianco in Genoa, which is generally dated c1621/1622 at which time the artist was in the city. In common with many early Christian Saints St. Lucy (martyred AD304) life is largely mythical. Her story became popular in the 17th century, centring round the fact that having lost her eyes during the process of torture before martyrdom, under the persecution of the Emperor Diocletian, they were miraculously restored. Here she is shown with her eyes on the dish which she holds.

‍