'The Willow'. A willow tree growing out across a stream. Etching print (first state) by Samuel Palmer, England, 1850.

A willow tree (filling almost the entire composition) growing out over a stream, above wading cattle and a swan.

Given by Colonel Walter O. Horsley, V.D.

An early state, with some white lines in the sky which were filled in before the plate was issued in 'The Life and Letters of Samuel Palmer' by A. H. Palmer, 1892.

In the first state, there is a white streak across the sky, running from the edge of the plate to the tree, 2 mm. above the cumulus cloud on the left. This is filled up in the later state. In the later state also, there are a few more lines of shading in the upper part of the sky to the right. This state is probably of extreme rarity. This proof was presented to the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1912, together with minute-books, records and a collection of prints of the old Etching Club, by Colonel W. C. Horsley, son of J. C. Horsley, R.A., the last surviving member of the Club.

This is the etching which was submitted by Samuel Palmer on his admission to the Etching Club, 1850.

A. H. Palmer explained that:
'It should be noted that the tree in this etching was practically copied from a careful water-colour study made from nature, and of a much larger size. Such a proceeding was very rare in any of Palmer’s work. In this case, it may have been due, partly to a feeling of timidity in a new process, or, partly to a prudent wish not to endanger his election by anything too characteristic or ambitious.' [See Catalogue of an Exhibition of Drawings, Etchings & Woodcuts by Samuel Palmer and other Disciples of William Blake October 20 - December 31, 1926. London : Published under the authority of the Board of Education, 1926. Publication No. 178 E.I.D.]

Attribution note: First State

E.1089-1912