Samuel Palmer, the 'Ancients' and Visionary Landscape.
 

Whereas as many of the artists represented here were interpreting the landscape in very literal ways, Samuel Palmer shows us in his etchings a visionary interpretation of landscape. The artists associated with a group that called themselves ‘The Ancient’s’, not only looked back to the prolific artists of the early Renaissance but looked into themselves to produce a visionary perception of landscape. Implied also is the looking back to a better age, away from the burgeoning Industrial Revolution. The seminal and most influential artist of this group was William Blake whose work is include here; Blake was devoted to the art of printmaking throughout his life. Palmer, was profoundly influenced by Blake's ideas and philosophy. Samuel Palmer's etchings inevitably take us to the dawn and twilight of the day and give us a sense of an ethereal, mystical and contemplative world.

 Samuel Palmer 1805-1881, Opening the Fold or Early Morning, 1880. Etching.

 Samuel Palmer 1805-1881, The Homeward Star, 1880. Etching completed by his son.

William Blake 1757 - 1827, The Persian, the Sun and the Cloud, 1793, Etching and Engraving.



William Bell Scott

William Bell Scott 1811 - 1890,  And the waters prevailed, 1878, Etching.