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The Weary Ploughman

Print
1858 (etched)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Rural scene showing a herdsman or ploughman driving a pair of oxen homeward on a country lane. The moon is low on the horizon, its light partly obscured by clouds. The roofs of cottages can be seen at the foot of the hillside.


Object details

Category
Object type
Titles
  • The Weary Ploughman (assigned by artist)
  • Tardus Bubulcus (assigned by artist)
  • The Herdsman (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Etching print on paper
Brief description
'The Weary Ploughman' (also known as 'The Herdsman'), a rural scene showing a man driving a pair of oxen on a country lane. Etching by Samuel Palmer, England, 1858.
Physical description
Rural scene showing a herdsman or ploughman driving a pair of oxen homeward on a country lane. The moon is low on the horizon, its light partly obscured by clouds. The roofs of cottages can be seen at the foot of the hillside.
Production typeProof
Marks and inscriptions
  • 'Samuel Palmer' (Signed in pencil.)
  • 'Trial proof. 2nd state of sky' (Annnotated.)
Credit line
Presented by Mrs J. Merrick Head
Object history
Trial proof for printing; but in published state.

''This plate, in common with others of the 1865 series, was supposed to have been destroyed. About ten years afterwards, however, I discovered that it was in existence, and that impressions were about to be sold. On communicating with the secretary of the Etching Club, this was put a stop to, and the plate bought and destroyed.' - A. H. Palmer'

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.63.
Production
Etching started in 1858.
Final state published by Cundall in A Selection of Etchings by the Etching Club, 1865.

Attribution note: Trial proof for printing; but in 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. pp.76-78.
  • 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.
  • Victoria and Albert Museum, Department of Engraving, Illustration and Design & Department of Paintings, Accessions 1919, London: Printed Under the Authority of His Majesty's Stationery Office, 1921
Collection
Accession number
E.1890-1919

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Record createdJune 30, 2009
Record URL
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