Thomas Cole, an American landscape painter, was a crucial figure in the Hudson River School, renowned for his romanticized landscapes that evoked awe and grandeur in the American wilderness.
During his extensive travels, he depicted landscapes in the Hudson River Valley and the Catskill Mountains, incorporating literary, philosophical, and historical themes into his paintings.
Cole's paintings significantly influenced American perception of the countryside, showcasing vast wilderness, stunning scenery, and awe-inspiring nature.
Cole's romanticized landscapes during the fast development and industrialization period in America fostered a sense of national identity and pride in the country's distinctive landscapes.
His connections with Constable and Turner significantly influenced Cole's work, widely recognized as his primary influencers in architecture.
While travelling in Europe, Cole, an architectural painter, portrayed historic structures and ruins in his landscapes during his teens and middle age.