Artwork Page for The Vine

Details / Information for The Vine

The Vine

1852

Samuel Palmer

(British, 1805–1881)
Culture
England, 19th century
Medium
etching
Measurements
Sheet: 30 x 22 cm (11 13/16 x 8 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis B. Williams, presented in honor of Henry Sayles Francis, Curator of Prints 1966.185
Catalogue raisonné
Lister 5
State
III/IV
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

This early proof (an impression created while the artist is still working on the design) by Samuel Palmer features his illustrations before the accompanying text for Songs and Ballads of Shakespeare was printed. Both images relate to a drinking song featured in act 2 of William Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, praising Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, and his products. Palmer’s handwritten notes describe modifications he was planning to make. Palmer started to work in prints late in his career but quickly became accomplished in the medium. His imagery is characterized by juxtaposing delicate textures and dramatic lights and shadows, as seen here in the contrast between the radiant Bacchus and those making and enjoying the drink.
A vertically oriented black ink print on cream paper depicts two scenes surrounded by handwritten notes. In the top rectangular image, a figure with raised arms runs through a dense forest. Below, a smaller arched scene shows four winged children harvesting grapes; one climbs a ladder while others gather fruit. Extensive pencil annotations and arrows fill the margins, providing technical instructions on light and shadow throughout the composition.

The Vine

1852

Samuel Palmer

(British, 1805–1881)
England, 19th century

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