Study for "Vision of Saint Hubert in the Wood" stained glass window

In the tradition of the French and American art academies where she was trained, Oakley often made oil sketches to explore her ideas. This study for a stained glass window featuring Saint Hubert is expressive and loosely painted. Numerous other studies suggest that a window dedicated to Saint Hubert was to have been a major commission, but it was never realized.

Oakley focuses here on Hubert, a wealthy courtier, in his moment of spiritual transformation; having turned away from the church in grief over the death of his wife, a vision of God appears to him within the antlers of a stag during a hunt. Hubert’s life changes in that instant and he embraces a life of godliness.