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.

Gallery mode Full size at the museum

Window mode follows your eyes with your camera, in this browser only: no picture or position leaves your device.

The Sleeping Shepherd; Early Morning

Samuel Palmer (British, 1805 - 1881)

1857

Medium: etching, hand-colored with watercolor and opaque white with gold highlights
Classification: Print
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.)
Culture: British
Museum: National Gallery of Art, CG-E
Credit line: Rosenwald Collection
Rights: Public domain (NGA Open Access, CC0), as the museum states it.
Who can see it: Tweens profiles and older: its subjects are known and suit older children. How works are placed

View at the National Gallery of Art

More by Samuel Palmer

See all

More Romanticism

See all