Thomas Cole's Rapid Influence on 19th-Century American Art Explored in New Exhibition

“Circles of Influence: Thomas Cole and the American Landscape Movement” has been launched at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site. This exhibition explores the significant impact Thomas Cole (1801-1848) had on fellow 19th-century artists. It emphasizes the collaborative effort of these artists in broadening the idea of “America the Beautiful,” a concept that continues to resonate today. Featured in the show are works by Cole alongside those of artists he engaged with directly, such as Frederic Edwin Church, Jasper Francis Cropsey, and Asher B. Durand, as well as family members like Sarah Cole and Mary B. Cole. Additionally, it includes later artists influenced by his legacy, including Ralph Albert Blakelock, Albert Bierstadt, and others.