Early Life and Career
Thomas Cole, a British-born American artist, was born on February 1, 1801, in Bolton le Moors, Lancashire. In 1818, he emigrated with his family to the United States, settling in Steubenville, Ohio. At the age of 22, Cole moved to Philadelphia and later, in 1825, to Catskill, New York, where he lived with his wife and children until 1847.
Artistic Style and Influences
Cole's work is characterized by its romantic portrayal of the American wilderness. He was largely self-taught as a painter, relying on books and studying the work of other artists. In 1822, Cole started working as a portrait painter and later shifted his focus to landscape. His paintings often featured the Catskill Mountain House, the famous Kaaterskill Falls, and two views of Cold Spring.
Notable Works
- The Course of Empire, a five-part series of paintings created by Cole in the years 1833-36, is notable for reflecting popular American sentiments of the time.
- A View from Mount Etna from Taormina (78-by-120-inch oil on canvas) showcases Cole's fascination with Europe's tallest active volcano.
- The Oxbow (1836), featuring a serene landscape, is another example of Cole's mastery of landscape painting.
Museums and Collections
Many of Cole's works can be found in the following museums:
Legacy and Influence
Cole's influence on American art is profound. He is regarded as the founder of the
Hudson River School, a mid-19th century American art movement that emerged in the Hudson River Valley of New York. His work has inspired generations of artists, including Asher B. Durand and Frederic Edwin Church.
Recommended Reading:
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The Hudson River School Art Movement
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Thomas Cole on Wikipedia
View More of Thomas Cole's Works:
Frederic Edwin Church's Schoodic Peninsula from Mount Desert at Sunrise (for comparison with Cole's style)
Winslow Homer's Canoes in Rapids, Saguenay River (example of another American landscape painter)