Thomas Cole (1801–1848) was an English-born American landscape painter and founder of the Hudson River School, a group of artists who played a significant role in shaping the American landscape painting movement in the 19th century. He was born on February 1, 1801, in Bolton-le-Moors, Lancashire, England.Key points about Thomas Cole include:1. **Immigration to the United States:** Cole emigrated with his family to the United States in 1818, settling in Steubenville, Ohio. His early exposure to the American wilderness fueled his interest in landscape painting.2. **Hudson River School:** Thomas Cole is often regarded as the founder of the Hudson River School, a group of American landscape painters who depicted the beauty of the American wilderness and emphasized the spiritual and sublime qualities of nature.3. **Influence of European Romanticism:** Cole was influenced by the Romantic movement in Europe, particularly the landscape traditions of artists like Claude Lorrain and J.M.W. Turner. His early works in America were infused with the ideals of European Romanticism.4. **The Course of Empire Series:** One of Cole's most famous works is the five-painting series titled "The Course of Empire," which depicts the rise and fall of a fictional civilization. This series reflects Cole's concerns about the impact of industrialization and human civilization on the natural environment.5. **The Oxbow:** Another renowned painting by Cole is "View from Mount Holyoke, Northampton, Massachusetts, after a Thunderstorm" (commonly known as "The Oxbow"). This work captures a panoramic view of the Connecticut River Valley and reflects the artist's contemplation of nature and civilization.6. **Spiritual and Moral Themes:** Cole's paintings often conveyed spiritual and moral messages. He believed that nature served as a direct manifestation of God, and his works encouraged viewers to contemplate the divine within the natural world.7. **Teacher and Mentor:** Thomas Cole played a crucial role in mentoring young artists who would later become prominent figures in the Hudson River School, including Asher B. Durand and Frederic Edwin Church.8. **Legacy:** Thomas Cole's legacy extends beyond his own artistic achievements. His role in establishing the Hudson River School and his influence on subsequent generations of American landscape painters contributed to the development of a distinct American art tradition.Thomas Cole passed away on February 11, 1848, in Catskill, New York. His contributions to American art and his advocacy for the preservation of the American landscape left a lasting impact on the cultural and environmental consciousness of the United States.
Measures 24 x 36 (image), 28.5 x 40.5 (framed).
Sold "after" Cole.

Good condition. No major rips, tears, etc.