Thomas Cole - The Course of Empire

Thomas Cole, founded Hudson river school Mid 19th century art movement o American landscape, wilderness o Romanticism, naturalism • Paintings were synthesized from many natural elements. America during the 1830’s • Andrew Jackson = president o Indian removal act o Strong president Course of Empire • 5 part series created from 1833-36 • many saw pastoralism as the ideal phase of human civilization o fear that empire would lead to gluttony and decay 5 paintings: The Savage State The Past