Edwin Long was born at Kelston, near Bath and moved to London in the 1850s. He became a very successful artist, painting Middle Eastern scenes populated with beautiful young women. Although he only painted a few Biblical pictures, religion was very important to Long. His parents had given him a religious upbringing; they were Congregationalist Dissenters and attended chapel regularly. This painting illustrates a miracle performed by Jesus: 'And he took the damsel by the hand and said….Damsel I say unto thee, arise' (Gospel of St Mark). The artist shows the moment just before the girl comes back to life. Her parents and a disciple watch with anticipation and hope. A view of Nazareth is visible through the window to the right of the picture.