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Thomas Cole’s The Course of Empire

Mar 9, 2024

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by

The Editor

Thomas Cole

Thomas Cole’s The Course of Empire

The Course of Empire is a series of five paintings created by Thomas Cole in the years 1833–36. It is notable in part for reflecting popular American sentiments of the times, when many saw pastoralism as the ideal phase of human civilization, fearing that empire would lead to gluttony and inevitable decay. The theme of cycles is one that Cole returned to frequently, such as in his The Voyage of Life series. The Course of Empire comprises the following works: The Course of Empire – The Savage State; The Arcadian or Pastoral State; The Consummation of Empire; Destruction; and Desolation. All the paintings are 39.5 inches by 63.5 inches (100 cm by 161 cm) except The Consummation of Empire which is 51″ by 76″ (130 cm by 193 cm).

Thomas Cole’s The Course Of Empire- Destruction 1836

Thomas Cole’s The Course Of Empire- Consumption

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Related Links:

This Week’s Art: Cole’s “Course of Empire: Destruction”
https://www.rhdickerson.com/2018/03/this-weeks-art-coles-course-of-empire-destruction/

Paintings of The Day: The Course of Empire by Thomas Cole
https://thevelvetrocket.com/2010/04/21/paintings-of-the-day-the-course-of-empire-by-thomas-cole/

Thomas Cole: Eden to Empire Exhibitions and displays
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/thomas-cole-eden-to-empire

Art as Ideas: Thomas Cole’s The Course of Empire
https://www.libertarianism.org/columns/art-ideas-thomas-coles-course-empire
https://www.libertarianism.org/columns/artist-exemplar-thomas-coles-voyage-life

Art review: Thomas Cole and Ed Ruscha, National Gallery; Christo’s Mastaba, Serpentine
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/waldemar-januszczak-art-review-thomas-cole-and-ed-ruscha-national-gallery-christo-s-mastaba-serpentine-lb2fksfmg

Thomas Cole,American Moralist
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/15/arts/design/thomas-cole-american-moralist.html

Exhibition review: Thomas Cole: Eden to Empire at the at the National Gallery, WC2
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/exhibition-review-thomas-cole-eden-to-empire-at-the-national-gallery-wc2-20ct7975z

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