The Sleeping Shepherd; Early Morning 1857

"The Sleeping Shepherd; Early Morning," a 1857 etching and aquatint by Samuel Palmer, depicts a shepherd sleeping soundly amidst his flock of sheep. The scene is framed by a wooden shelter, offering a glimpse of a distant landscape where a farmer plows a field at sunrise. Palmer's work, known for its detailed realism and intimate portrayal of rural life, evokes a sense of tranquility and the beauty of the natural world. The use of delicate lines and subtle shading creates a sense of depth and atmosphere, highlighting the shepherd's peaceful slumber.