Study of two demi-lunettes with figures
Sir Stanley Spencer, RA (1891 - 1959)
Category
Art / Drawings and watercolours
Date
circa 1923 - circa 1932
Materials
Pencil and wash on paper
Measurements
177 x 254 mm
Order this imageCollection
Sandham Memorial Chapel, Hampshire
NT 790207
Summary
Pencil and wash on paper, partly squared, Sketch of two demi-lunettes populated with figures by Sir Stanley Spencer, CBE, RA (Cookham 1891– Cliveden 1959), circa 1923/32. It has been suggested by Unity Spencer that the larger figure in each niche is God the Father; to the right supplicants kneel before Him, and to the left, he is possibly accompanied by Christ and a supplicating figure. Below is an additional, tentative line drawing of figural shapes, and a large dark brown wash mark. Carolyn Leder has noted: "If, as it seems likely, it was drawn while Spencer was working at Burghclere, it is unsurprising that he appeared to be thinking in terms of murals in an architectural setting, almost certainly a chapel.......there are two lunettes, on either side of a central column that may lead upward into vaulting. But I think there is also an alternative composition, indicated by a line forming the upper part of an oval which encloses and echoes the backs of the leaning figures. His compositional skills are automatically to the fore, as the outer figures in each lunette lean in towards the centre, rather like 'St. Veronica Unmasking Christ' (Stanley Spencer Gallery, Cookham) and 'Christ Overturning the Money Changers' Table' of 1921, except that here there is a central column rather than the middle panel of a triptych. The outer leaning figures would appear to embrace, adore or worship the central figures, all clad in timeless biblical robes.... I have not identified the subject matter, though it is surely a religious theme, although not necessarily a known biblical subject or episode from the lives of the saints."
Provenance
Purchased by the National Trust at Christie's, London, 'Stanley Spencer Studio Sale ', 5th November 1998, lot 33
Makers and roles
Sir Stanley Spencer, RA (1891 - 1959), artist