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Resurrection: Re-Union

Artist (Cookham, England, 1891 - 1959)
Date1945
Mediumoil on canvas
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsFrame Size: 90.1 x 166.5 x 6.5cm
Canvases left to right: 77.1 x 50.3; 76.2 x 50.9; 76.5 x 50.9
AcquisitionPurchased in 1952 with income from the Macdonald Bequest.
Copyright© The Artist. All Rights Reserved 2023 / Bridgeman Images
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG003834
About MeAs an official war artist during the Second World War, Spencer was commissioned to record the war effort at the Lithgow shipyard in Port Glasgow. 'Reunion' is part of a large scheme of paintings inspired by the cemetery in Port Glasgow.

In Christianity, the Resurrection will occur during Christ's second-coming, when the dead will rise to be judged with the living and go to Heaven or Hell. In Spencer's interpretation the dead are seen rising from their graves, rejoicing with their relatives with whom they have been reunited.

'Reunion' was a small section in a grand scheme. However, the scale of the work meant that selling it as a whole was impossible, so each section was sold off separately. Spencer also painted smaller, companion pieces showing, for example, the resurrected waking up and tidying themselves.
More About Me
‘Reunion’ is part of a large scheme of paintings inspired by the cemetery in Port Glasgow. The painting depicts the dead rising and reuniting with their loved ones.
Exhibitions