The Sleeping Shepherd - Early Morning 1854

Samuel Palmer's "The Sleeping Shepherd - Early Morning" (1854) is a Romantic etching depicting a shepherd sleeping amidst his flock. The scene is framed by a lush, verdant forest, with the distant horizon visible through a gap in the foliage. The shepherd, clad in simple attire, lies in a peaceful slumber as his sheep graze peacefully nearby. The dramatic use of light and shadow, characteristic of Palmer's work, lends a sense of tranquility and serenity to the composition. The etching's intricate detail and evocative imagery have made it one of Palmer's most celebrated works.