This work depicts the moment when the Holy Ghost, in the form of flames, rests on the Virgin and the Apostles on Pentecost day in Jerusalem, as is told in the book of Acts (2: 1-5).

The bald, bearded Apostle who looks out at the viewer from the right of the canvas has been identified as a self-portrait, or as a portrait of the artist's friend, Antonio de Covarrubias.

Along with other paintings in the Prado Museum (P00821, P00823, P00825, P03888), this work was painted as part of the main altarpiece for the church of the Augustine College of María de Aragón in Madrid. A sketch or autograph reduction can be found in the Zogheb collection in Paris. The signature is on the second step, in Greek letters. It was redone during an old restoration.