Thomas Cole (1801–1848) was an English-born American painter who became a prominent figure in the Hudson River School, a group of landscape painters known for their romantic depictions of the American wilderness. Here are key points about Thomas Cole:1. **Early Life:** Thomas Cole was born on February 1, 1801, in Bolton-le-Moors, Lancashire, England. His family emigrated to the United States in 1818, settling in Steubenville, Ohio.2. **Artistic Aspirations:** Even before coming to America, Cole showed an early interest in art. He began his career as an engraver and later decided to pursue painting.3. **Move to New York:** In 1825, Cole moved to New York City, where he gained attention for his landscapes. He initially worked as an engraver and took classes at the National Academy of Design.4. **Hudson River School:** Cole, along with other landscape painters of the time, including Asher B. Durand, founded the Hudson River School. This group emphasized the beauty of the American landscape and played a crucial role in the development of American art.5. **Influence of European Romanticism:** Cole was influenced by European Romanticism, particularly the works of English painters like J.M.W. Turner. His early landscapes often featured dramatic scenes with a sense of the sublime.6. **The Course of Empire Series:** One of Cole's most significant contributions is the "Course of Empire" series (1834–1836). This series consists of five paintings—The Savage State, The Arcadian or Pastoral State, The Consummation of Empire, Destruction, and Desolation—depicting the rise and fall of a fictional civilization.7. **The Oxbow:** Another well-known work by Cole is "View from Mount Holyoke, Northampton, Massachusetts, after a Thunderstorm" (1836), commonly known as "The Oxbow." This painting is both a landscape and a self-portrait of the artist.8. **Catskill Mountain House:** Cole often painted scenes in the Catskill Mountains. The Catskill Mountain House, a popular resort, featured in many of his works and became a symbol of the romantic appreciation of American landscapes.9. **Personal Life:** Cole married Maria Bartow in 1836, and they had five children. The family lived in Catskill, New York.10. **Death and Legacy:** Thomas Cole died on February 11, 1848, at the age of 47. His influence on American landscape painting, particularly through the Hudson River School, continued long after his death. Many artists, including Frederic Edwin Church and Albert Bierstadt, were inspired by his approach to landscape painting.Thomas Cole's contributions to the Hudson River School and his portrayal of the American landscape as a source of inspiration and contemplation left a lasting impact on American art. His works are celebrated for their romantic vision, attention to detail, and exploration of themes related to nature, civilization, and the passage of time.
Measures 22 x 16.25.

Good condition. No rips, tears, creases.