Samuel Palmer (1805–1881) was a visionary English landscape painter and printmaker associated with the Romantic and Pre-Raphaelite movements. Born on January 27, 1805, in London, Palmer's artistic journey unfolded during a period of profound social and industrial change.

Palmer's early exposure to the works of William Blake deeply influenced his artistic sensibilities. In 1824, at the age of 19, he became a pupil of the visionary painter John Linnell. Palmer's first significant works emerged during the 1820s, marked by an idealised and mystical portrayal of the English countryside. His vivid landscapes, often set in an idyllic pastoral setting, reflected his belief in the spiritual aspects of nature.

In the mid-1820s, Palmer, along with other artists such as Edward Calvert and George Richmond, formed a group known as the Ancients. Influenced by Blake's spiritual and artistic principles, the Ancients sought to create visionary art that transcended the natural world.

Palmer's most celebrated series of works, the "Shoreham Ancients," was produced during his time in the village of Shoreham, Kent, where he lived from 1826 to 1835. These paintings and drawings captured the mystical essence of the landscape and showcased his distinctive use of colour and symbolism.

Following his Shoreham period, Palmer faced financial difficulties, and his style evolved towards a more conventional approach. He continued to produce landscapes, but the visionary intensity of his earlier works diminished.

In the later part of his career, Palmer turned to etching and produced a series of masterful illustrations for Virgil's "Eclogues." These etchings are considered among his finest achievements.

Despite facing challenges and relative obscurity in his later years, Samuel Palmer's influence endured through the inspiration he provided to subsequent generations of artists. His commitment to capturing the spiritual and sublime in nature, along with his contributions to the Pre-Raphaelite movement, solidify his place in the annals of English art history. Samuel Palmer passed away on May 24, 1881, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with those who appreciate the poetic and visionary aspects of landscape art.