Dimensions: support: 121 x 413 mm
Copyright: © Estate of Stanley Spencer | CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Curator: This is an early sketch for ‘Resurrection: Rejoicing’ by British artist Sir Stanley Spencer. Editor: It's fascinating! There's a sense of raw energy in the lines, though the composition feels fragmented, almost dreamlike. Curator: Indeed. Spencer was deeply involved in depicting scenes of resurrection and spiritual awakening throughout his career, often drawing on his experiences in the First World War. Editor: War fundamentally challenges everything. I'm curious about how the context of war and Spencer’s identity shape our reading of the figures in this sketch. Are they truly rejoicing, or is there something more complex? Curator: Spencer’s vision was always deeply personal, often unconventional, and imbued with his own spiritual perspective. I think the rejoicing here is a very unique interpretation. Editor: I suppose it’s about seeing beyond conventional narratives to acknowledge the power of individual resilience. It feels like a call for a more inclusive vision of resurrection.