George Richmond

The Shepherd

1827

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Not on display

Artist: George Richmond 1809–1896
Medium: Line engraving on paper
Dimensions: Image: 178 × 114 mm
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Presented by Mrs John Richmond 1925
Reference: N04064

Display caption

This unfinished engraving is a good example of the strong influence which Blake's illustrations to Thornton's 'Virgil', shown in this display, had on the Ancients. The shepherd and his flock are clearly based on Thenot and his sheep in the Frontispiece to Thornton. The motif of the small cottage set among trees also appears in some of the other Thornton wood-engravings. Richmond began this print in April 1827 and he seems to have continued work on it at Shoreham, Kent, soon afterwards. The landscape in 'The Shepherd', like Palmer's landscapes of the same period, was inspired by the views around Shoreham.

Gallery label, September 2004

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