Brixton, Palm Sunday

This busy street scene in Brixton includes members of the Salvation Army, tradesmen, a mother with a baby in a pushchair, and a figure riding a bike who is highlighted by a ray of light. The painting's title overtly alludes to its biblical and religious connotations and it has been suggested that the figure on the bike represents Jesus Christ.

Born in 1940, Barry Fantoni grew up in south east London and attended Camberwell Art School. His experiences of living and working in Brixton led him to paint this scene which is based on drawings and prints of individuals which he made during the late 1950s and 1960s. Since 1963 Fantoni has been a member of the ‘Private Eye’ editorial team and is well-known for his cartoons and caricatures.