Exploring the world of art, history, science and literature. Through Religion

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© The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge.

The Magic Apple Tree

Painting, Drawing

Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge

Shoreham, Kent

Christianity

1830

This is not a painting of a religious subject but it is intended to make people see the world in a new light.

What does it look like?

It is a drawing and painting in ink and watercolours, of an apple tree leaning over a lane leading down to a church. There is a shepherdess in the foreground and in the background, an intense golden field, under a dark sky.

A modern day Eden

Palmer was a visionary painter, who believed that through prayer and meditation, Christians could see the world still bathed in glory, as God sees it, as though we were still in Eden.

Who, what and where?

It was painted by Samuel Palmer (1805-1881). He was a visionary painter, who believed that through prayer and meditation Christians could see the world still bathed in glory, as God sees it, as though we were still in Eden. He wanted to share that vision of glory in the world through this painting.

Palmer was part of a group of fellow artists, who called themselves ‘The Ancients’. They were united in their admiration for the poet and artist William Blake (1757 – 1827). Their watchwords were ‘poetry and sentiment‘. Palmer’s Magic Apple Tree, with its intense colours, religious overtones, and almost mystical evocation of nature, is in many ways typical of The Ancients’ work.

Are there links to current religious practices or a modern equivalent?

Many other artists have been inspired by religion. In 2016, a London exhibition explored the Stations of the Cross, demonstrating the influence of this part of the bible on artists, over a number of centuries.

Why is it significant to the study of religion?

Many other artists have been inspired by religion. In 2016, a London exhibition explored the Stations of the Cross, demonstrating the influence of this part of the bible on artists, over a number of centuries.

This is not a religious object, or a painting of a religious subject, but it is intended to have a religious, or spiritual effect, to make people see the world in a new light.

Malcolm Guite wrote a poem about the piece, and this can be read on his website.

Where is it from, where is it now?

The museum is free to visit and open regularly, with changing exhibitions and special events for all ages. Visit their website for more details.

Resources

Websites

Fitzwilliam Museum

Detailed description of the painting and of the artist.


Tate Gallery

Biography of the artist, Samuel Palmer.

Places

The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge

Visit the museum to view this painting.

Resources