Analysis Of Thomas Cole The Oxbow

In 1836, Thomas Cole created an astounding landscape painting titled The Oxbow, also known as View from Mount Holyoke, Northampton, Massachusetts after a Thunderstorm. During the time of this piece's composition, Manifest Destiny, a movement that focused on the belief of justified and inevitable westward expansion, was occurring throughout America ("Manifest Destiny"). In The Oxbow, Cole describes this movement through the eastern and western lands depicted in the image. Cole uses oil on canvas to create the 130.8 x 193 cm landscape masterpiece that is now located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Zygmont). Due to the immense size of this painting, an onlooker can closely observe Cole's self-portrait in the lower portion of the painting, which

In order to separate the landscapes, Cole uses a diagonal line that runs along edge of the forest, symbolizing the contrasting drama and movement within each piece of land. In the forest, the dominating tree, which appears to be diagonal and curved, helps move the observers eyes from the uncivilized forest on the left to the cultivated farmland on the right. The curvature of the tree shows how the movement of the wind from the storm has bowed the tree ("Thomas Cole The Oxbow and Vincent van Goghs Starry Night"). The two sceneries are connected by the red-and-white umbrella that is placed diagonally on the small mountain in the forest (THOMAS COLE View from Mount Holyoke). On the right side of the painting, the diagonal lines and curvature of the Connecticut River convey the energy and movement of the water. Also, the vertical and horizontal lines that outline the pieces of land symbolize the stability and power found in cultivated and civilized areas. In addition to lines, Cole meritoriously conveys contrasting values within The

The left side of the painting depicts a magnificent view of the cultivated land that falls beneath the dark, uncultured forest, creating the sense of movement from danger to peace. The darker values and unwelcoming atmosphere that surrounds forest enhances this sense of danger (Zygmont). The dark, grey storm clouds and rain falling on the trees create a shadow on the leaves, due to the absence of light they receive. However, as the painting progresses from the left to right, the intensity of light increases. It is implied that the light source comes from the top right corner, creating cast shadows below the mountains and providing light to the lands full of crops. The sunlight provides a sense of peace and contentment. Lastly, the use of contrasting shapes within The Oxbow helps portray the differences between both