Sir Stanley Spencer R.A.

The sheet has been laid down on to a piece of card which has bowed slightly. The sheet appears to be in good overall condition. Dirt appears to have gathered in places across the surface but otherwise the surface is in good overall condition. Held behind glass in a gilded composition frame. Unexamined out of the frame. Please telephone the department on 020 7293 5381 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This is a study for the central landscape in the background of Spencer's early masterpiece Zacharias and Elizabeth (1914, coll. Tate Gallery and Sheffield City Art Gallery). Studies for details of Spencer's pictures are rare, although another similar drawing exists which Spencer gave to his friend and fellow artist James Wood (see the catalogue to the exhibition Stanley Spencer R.A., Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1980, no.20). Stanley wrote to Henry Lamb on 7 March 1914 inviting him to see '...my big Zacharias picture just begun.' And again on 1 April 'I am doing a small painting of it as well. I do this between 5 and 7 in the evening' (quoted, ibid.).