Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Request to view at the Prints & Drawings Study Room, level H , Case 93, Shelf B, Box 92

The Morning of Life

Print
1872 (published), 1860-1861 (etched)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Etching of a woodland scene in a Classical idiom: sunlight shines through the trees, illuminating two boys gathering fallen apples on a river-bank. In the shadows, sturdy shepherds wash sheep in the river, and a ram is being dragged towards the river by two cherubic boys.


Object details

Category
Object type
TitleThe Morning of Life
Materials and techniques
Etching print
Brief description
'The Morning of Life'. Woodland scene in a Classical idiom, featuring two boys gathering fallen apples on a river-bank. Etching print by Samuel Palmer. Published in 'Etchings for the Art Union of London by the Etching Club', England, 1872.
Physical description
Etching of a woodland scene in a Classical idiom: sunlight shines through the trees, illuminating two boys gathering fallen apples on a river-bank. In the shadows, sturdy shepherds wash sheep in the river, and a ram is being dragged towards the river by two cherubic boys.
Dimensions
  • Plate impression (approx) height: 14.5cm
  • Plate impression (approx) width: 21cm
Marks and inscriptions
'Samuel Palmer. The morning of life. 13.' (Lettered in italic script in the lower margin.)
Object history
The final state of the plate was published in Etchings for the Art Union of London by the Etching Club, 1872, plate 13. There were several titles given to this plate at various stages: 'Hercules and Cacus', 'Sheep-washing' and 'A Leafy Dell'.
Plate destroyed.
Production
Etching started 1860-61.
Final state published as plate 13 in Etchings for the Art Union of London by the Etching Club, 1872.

Attribution note: Published State.
Subjects depicted
Associated objects
Bibliographic references
  • 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.
  • 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. pp.80-82.
Collection
Accession number
E.3756-1902

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Record createdJune 30, 2009
Record URL
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