AN ICONIC painting by the artist Stanley Spencer has gone on show at York Art Gallery – next to the original artwork for York Mystery Plays , which was inspired by his work.

The Deposition and Rolling Away Of The Stone can be seen in the South Gallery, alongside the artwork by York artist/ designer Johnny Smyth.

A gallery spokesman said Spencer had been one of the main inspirations for the Plays’ style, in particular his works which blended the everyday with subtle religious symbolism.

Laura Turner, curator of art at the gallery, said: “Johnny’s painting is a fantastic piece of art in its own right and captures the atmosphere, scale and ambition of the 2012 plays.

“Its style is, of course, heavily influenced by Stanley Spencer, whose work the artistic directors, costume and stage designer of the plays also drew inspiration from in creating the feel of the plays.

“Spencer is famous for his religious symbolism within his work. If you look closely at The Deposition and Rolling Away Of The Stone, you can see various subtle references within the work.”

The spokesman said Johnny had made five digital additions to the original artwork for the image used to market the plays in leaflets.

“Gallery visitors will be asked to spot the five changes,” he said, adding that Johnny’s work, which was oil on wood, also drew on other artistic influences, such as Pieter Bruegel, Edward Burra and Salvador Dali.

“The two figures in the foreground of the work are Deceit and Violence (from Psalm 72) and were particularly influenced by Burra. The works will remain on show in the South Gallery throughout the summer.”

The Plays, which will be performed to daily audiences of 1,400 in the Museum Gardens, will start on Thursday and run until August 27.

For more information, go to yorkmysteryplays2012.com