The Rise of the Skylark

Samuel Palmer (1805 - 1881)

National Museum Cardiff

1839

This painting, inspired by lines from John Milton's L'Allegro, was painted by Palmer shortly after his return from Italy in 1839. It was worked up from a detailed sepia drawing of the late Shoreham period. Through dawn breaking, with its multicoloured sky and the joyful sound of the skylark, Palmer suggests a new beginning. The shepherd opening the gate through which the lamb will pass into the broad landscape may symbolize the start of life.

• Medium: oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 30 x 24 cm
• ArtFunded in: 1991
• Presented by Sidney Leigh through The Art Fund

Provenance

Lord Justice Sir William Rann Kennedy; Mrs Robinson; J.W.Knight; Mrs H.F.Medicott; Sold Fine Art Society, bt. Mrs F.E.Leigh; Sidney Leigh.

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