Treasured Landscapes

Thomas Cole
ca. 1838

This small Arcadian study was one of three Cole landscapes acquired for Frederick and Julia Billings by the artist Frederic Church, who acted as broker for Cole's estate. Cole was influenced in these oil sketches by the work of European masters such as Claude Lorraine. This scene also exhibits Cole's lifelong interest in nature contrasted with the timeworn works of human civilization.

Oil on panel. L 24, W 35.5 cm
Marsh - Billings - Rockefeller National Historical Park, MABI 4423