Artist: Thomas Cole
Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Period: Hudson River School
Genre: Landscape painting
Created: 1835–1836
Patron: Luman Reed
Cole explained his motivation for the painting --- "Fancy pictures seldom sell & they generally take more time than views so I have determined to paint one of the latter. I have already commenced a view from Mt. Holyoke. It is about the finest scene I have in my sketchbook & is well known. It will be novel & I think effective."
This painting speaks about the widely discussed topic of westward expansion. Relates to manifest destiny such as the Louisiana Purchase of 1804 doubling the size of the United States and that North American expansion was the white man's destiny.
The gloomy storm clouds depict a virginal landscape and showcase nature created by God and untouched by man.
Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Period: Hudson River School
Genre: Landscape painting
Created: 1835–1836
Patron: Luman Reed
Cole explained his motivation for the painting --- "Fancy pictures seldom sell & they generally take more time than views so I have determined to paint one of the latter. I have already commenced a view from Mt. Holyoke. It is about the finest scene I have in my sketchbook & is well known. It will be novel & I think effective."
This painting speaks about the widely discussed topic of westward expansion. Relates to manifest destiny such as the Louisiana Purchase of 1804 doubling the size of the United States and that North American expansion was the white man's destiny.
The gloomy storm clouds depict a virginal landscape and showcase nature created by God and untouched by man.