This painting is part of an altar dedicated to Saint Agatha in the Basilica of Saint Cecilia. Saint Agatha is also venerated in this church due to the similar stories of the two saints. This representation shows the executioners preparing Agatha for her torture, tying her arms behind her back and exposing her breasts. The light in the painting is focused on her face, as she calmly looks toward the heavens, her source of strength. This upward motion in the piece draws the viewers eye up. An angel is shown above Agatha holding the crown of martyrdom she is about to receive as reward, as well as a palm frond which symbolizes martyrdom and resurrection into new life.