The Oxbow is another painting created by Thomas Cole in 1836. While the Distant View of Niagara Falls was mainly influenced by the love for the wild and nature in general, The Oxbow carries quite a different connotation. In the 19th century, the Westward expansion and the new political ideologies played a significant part in the lives of Americans; Cole was not an exception. This piece contains multiple significant details and it is composed by two combined parts. The left represents Cole’s sublime view on the land and nature. It is full of fear: the skies covered in clouds, rain and the completely untouched land. It can be classified as a virginal landscape, yet to be changed, cultivated and used. The right is dedicated to the human development and changes caused by industrialization.
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Thomas Cole focused his works on the contrast between the wilderness and the industrialization. Frederic Church was fascinated by similar destinations, however, his scientific background allowed him to trace varying connections between art, literature and nature. Albert Bierstadt, mainly depicted the West and incorporated ideas he gained from his emigre experience. All three of these members of the Hudson River School believed in the power of nature and wilderness. They were also not inspired by the rapid industrialization and modernization. These beliefs were what influenced their art and the art was what influenced the people. The Hudson River School and its artists used their sublime views on American landscape during the period of change in the 19th century America and created an entire new form of art that is still alive today based on their shared opinions. The School was based on the strong appreciation of nature, which influenced the future development of landscape painting and started a massive artistic revolution in the United
Thomas Cole focused his works on the contrast between the wilderness and the industrialization. Frederic Church was fascinated by similar destinations, however, his scientific background allowed him to trace varying connections between art, literature and nature. Albert Bierstadt, mainly depicted the West and incorporated ideas he gained from his emigre experience. All three of these members of the Hudson River School believed in the power of nature and wilderness. They were also not inspired by the rapid industrialization and modernization. These beliefs were what influenced their art and the art was what influenced the people. The Hudson River School and its artists used their sublime views on American landscape during the period of change in the 19th century America and created an entire new form of art that is still alive today based on their shared opinions. The School was based on the strong appreciation of nature, which influenced the future development of landscape painting and started a massive artistic revolution in the United