Thomas Cole

Thomas Cole (1801–1848) was an American painter and a central figure in the Romanticism movement. He is best known for founding the Hudson River School, a group of landscape painters who celebrated the American wilderness. Cole's works often depicted the beauty of nature and the relationship between humanity and the environment, reflecting the ideals of the American Romantic spirit. His notable paintings include "The Oxbow" and "The Course of Empire" series, which explore themes of civilization and nature. Cole's influence extended beyond his lifetime, inspiring future generations of American artists to embrace landscape painting. He passed away in 1848, leaving a lasting legacy in American art.