Saint Lucy was martyred at Syracuse in Sicily, around 304, and was probably a victim of the persecution of Christians by the Roman emperor Diocletian. Legend says that she rejected a suitor in order to stay a virgin dedicated to Christ. He was attracted by her eyes which she tore out, but they were miraculously restored.
Saint Lucy is the patron saint of sight. Her attributes are her eyes, which are usually depicted on a platter. She is said to have died from a sword cut to the neck, and this is also sometimes shown.