Under the reign of Emperor Maximilian, Deacon Sebastian was tortured and finally dumped in Rome´s main sewer, the Cloaca Maxima. The Emperor hoped that he would never be found there by the Christians, who would consider him a new martyr. Nevertheless, through a dream, the devout Lucina discovered where his body was and, with the help of her servants, carried his body to the catacombs to be buried in a crypt alongside the bodies of the Apostles. This painting illustrates the final part of the history of Saint Sebastian´s martyrdom and burial. The overhead lighting used by the artist creates a sinister but efficiently lugubrious setting which is appropriate for this story. It also illuminates the composition´s central group. The modeling of the figures reflects a strongly academic classicism and gives the scene greater solemnity. This work received first prize at the National Exhibition of the Fine Arts in 1878. It was acquired for the Prado Museum and later sent to the Museum of Modern Art.