 The work was probably produced sometime between 1600 and 1625 during his first stay in Naples just after his time in Rome whilst still heavily influenced by Caravaggism.It probably formed part of a group of works showing Christ and the Twelve Apostles - the Quadreria also houses a "St Peter" and "St James the Great" by the artist, but the other works from the group are lost.It also houses a "St Paul" and a "Flagellation of Christ", both also by Ribera.