'The Willow'. A willow tree growing out across a stream. Etching print 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 Mrs J. Merrick Head

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

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.

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.'
[Taken from: 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. p.56]

Attribution note: Published state.

E.1884-1919