Sir Stanley Spencer, R.A. (1891-1959)

This work is a study for the upper central section of Spencer's painting Zacharias and Elizabeth, 1913-14, jointly owned by Tate Gallery and Sheffield Art Gallery. The oil draws inspiration from St Luke's Gospel in which the archangel Gabriel tells Zacharias that his wife, Elizabeth, will bear a child from God, who will grow up to become St John the Baptist.

Typically Spencer sets this scene in Cookham, and the view is taken from the back window of the staircase landing on the second floor of Wisteria Cottage, looking towards Cliveden Woods. Spencer was allowed to paint there by the owner Jack Hatch, and his family.