The Sleeping Shepherd; Early Morning

1857

Samuel Palmer

Associated Names
Samuel Palmer

Artist, British, 1805 - 1881

Through the arched, vine-covered trellis, we see a pastoral scene. A figure is reclining against a rustic structure covered with climbing plants with yellow flowers. In the background, there is a flock of sheep and two cows being led by a figure. The sky displays muted purples and pinks, transitioning into evening, while the grass and foliage are depicted in rich greens and browns. The brushwork combines fine details for plants and figures with broader strokes for the sky and landscape, creating a harmonious composition.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching, hand-colored with watercolor and opaque white with gold highlights

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 9.5 x 7.8 cm (3 3/4 x 3 1/16 in.)
    overall (mat size): 27.9 x 35.6 cm (11 x 14 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.6711

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Lister 1988, no. 6, State i/v

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1982

  • Lessing J. Rosenwald: Tribute to a Collector, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1982, no. 42, repro.

1985

  • Figure Prints from the National Gallery's Collection, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1985-1986, no cat.

2006

  • The Artist's Vision: Romantic Traditions in Great Britain, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 2006 - 2007

Bibliography

1968

  • Lister, Raymond. Samuel Palmer and His Etchings.New York, 1968.

1982

  • Fine, Ruth E. Lessing J. Rosenwald: Tribute to a Collector. Washington, DC: National Gallery of Art, 1982, no. 42.

1985

  • Lister, Raymond. The Paintings of Samuel Palmer. Cambridge University Press, 1985: no. 62.

1988

  • Lister, Raymond. Catalogue Raisonne of the Works of Samuel Palmer. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1988: no. 6, i/v (mentions this impression).

Wikidata ID

Q65025502

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