This figure shows Christ as the Good Shepherd, symbolising his care for and guidance of his flock. It belongs to a small group of rock crystal figures of the Christ Child produced in Goa and Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka). This Christian theme was introduced there by missionaries who accompanied Portuguese traders.

Works of art in rock crystal were desirable collectors' items in Renaissance Kunstkammern - princely treasury collections which Sir Richard Wallace aspired to evoke. He bought the statuette in 1876 and kept it in the Boudoir together with jewels and other precious small pieces.