Sabra Mousty
Thomas Cole, 1801-1848 was a well known painter of his time. Many of his artworks were landscapes as he had a passion for the wilderness and environmental impacts. This is apparent particularly in his painting Distant View of Niagara Falls. Thomas Cole expertly captured one of the wonders of North America. Distant View of Niagara Falls was painted in 1930 is on display at The Art Institute of Chicago.
In this painting we see two Native Americans on the cliff edge looking at the massive Niagara Falls as water is rushing down, tumbling into the water below. By this painting being a distant view we are able to see how massive this wonder is.
In order to paint the autumn scenery, Thomas used muted tones and a little red, he also created great contrast between the different types of vegetation in the area. We can even see the contrast between the trees and their reflection in the water, the reflections appear to be blurred as the water ripples by. In the water, lines were used to create the movement of water as it flows downstream.
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It can also be literal smog from the industrial cities nearby. The two Native Americans are looking towards the falls and this dark cloud, possibly symbolizing their impending doom as industrialization spreads. Beside the dark clouds rolling in, there is a bright sunny cloud, the contrast between the two is astonishing. Cole expertly used lines and coloring in order to enhance the painting and the actual atmosphere that’s being affected by