The fine carving of the facial features and the folds on the drapery are typical of Sri Lanka ivories. From the sixteenth century, the Portuguese were active as traders and later as rulers in Sri Lanka (formerly called Ceylon).

Ivory Sculptures were locally produced in large numbers for a European clientele, and their style of carving combines Sri Lankan with European traditions.

Ivory carvings had a long tradition on the Indian subcontinent, and elaborate works of art were made, particularly as diplomatic gifts, often presented to Western rulers. From the sixteenth century onwards, the four main missionary orders, The Augustinians, Jesuits, Dominicans and Franciscans, built churches and aimed to convert the inhabitants of India. The ivories would assist in the presentation of Christian imagery, as well as being exported back to churches, convents and private collectors in Europe.

The depictions of Saint Sebastian undergoing the martyrdom are plenty in Christian iconography because, since the Middle Ages, he was considered a patron saint against diseases. A young Roman soldier, commander of the Praetorian guard of Emperor Diocletian, when it was discovered he was a Christian, he was detained and condemned to die pierced by two soldiers' arrows. During the Renaissance, this saint continued to be one of the favourite subjects, both for patrons, due to his protective sense, and for artists, who found an excuse to show a nude similar to the classic ones. The Baroque era discovered the scene's drama and took advantage of it in a masterly fashion.