Thomas Cole - Founder of the Hudson River School

Thomas Cole was born 1801. He died in 1848. Thomas Cole was an American artist who is regarded as the Founder of the Hudson River School in New York State. This school represented an art movement that emphasized realistic and detailed portraits of the American landscape with themes of romanticism and naturalism. It has been noted that his detailed drawing was the foundation that led to his landscape painting style. Thomas Cole was born in England, but moved to the United States as a youth in 1818. He lived in Steubenville, Ohio for several years. I know where Steubenville, Ohio actually is as I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. His talents for painting were soon discovered and his works focused on landscapes.He was known for influencing the careers of two artists that following his painting style. They are Asher B. Durand and Frederic E. Church. His death was a surprise to many especially those in New York that enjoyed art.

He also painted allegorical works including his famous "The Course of Empire" series. Thomas Cole paintings includes many of his most recognized works including "The Oxbow", "The Garden of Eden", "The Fountain of Vaucluse", "A View near Tivoli", "Falls of Kaaterskill", "Il Penseroso", "The Course of Empire Consummation", "Autumn in the Catskills", "Arch of Nero", "Mount Aetna from Taormina", "Home in the Woods", "Self Portrait", "Romantic Landscape with Ruined Tower", "The Fountain of Vaucluse", "The Savage State", "Desolation", "The Departure", "The Return", "The Past", "The Present", "Italian Sunset", "Il Penseroso", "Home in the Woods" ."The Subsiding of the Waters of the Deluge", "View on the Catskill Early Autumn", "Genesee Scenery", "Mount Aetna from Taormina", "Mount Aetna from Taormina", "The Clove", "Falls of Kaaterskill", "A View near Tivoli", "A Wild Scene", "American Lake Scene", "Arch of Nero", "Cross at Sunset", "Frenchman's Bay Mt. Desert Island", "Indian Pass Tahawus", "Interior of the Colosseum", "Kaaterskill Falls". "Lake with Dead Trees", "Moonlight", "Prometheus Bound", "Sunny Morning on the Hudson River". "The Notch of the White Mountains", "Voyage of Life – Youth", "View Across Frenchman's Bay", "Catskill Mountain House", "Italian Coast Scene with Ruined Tower",  and "Titan's Goblet".