Davie had used symbols in his work since the 1950s, but when this picture was painted, they were becoming of increasing importance. The eye and the 'ankh' symbol (a cross with a loop at the top) have their origins in Egyptian hieroglyphics. The 'ankh' is a sign for life, but also appears in the art of other cultures, with different and sometimes unknown meanings. The location of the signs and symbols in a room-like space and the clear structure of the painting, are features of Davie's art from 1968 onwards.