The Lonely Tower 1879

"The Lonely Tower" was etched by Samuel Palmer, an English artist, sometime in the mid-19th century. Palmer was part of a group known as 'The Ancients', who found inspiration in pre-industrial rural life. They were reacting against the social upheaval of the industrial revolution then transforming England. The image suggests a longing for a simpler, more spiritual existence. Note the contrast between the serene moonlit landscape and the distant tower, which may represent the encroaching modern world. The tower is a reference to William Blake’s work, and it’s likely that he was an influence on Palmer. To understand Palmer, we need to look at the social context of his time, reading works by writers like Blake, Wordsworth, and Shelley, who shared a similar vision of nature and society. The art historian's role is to uncover these connections, revealing how artists respond to, and shape, the world around them.