The artwork, titled “A Rocky Glen (In the Shawangunks),” is an oil painting on canvas created by Thomas Cole in 1846. Belonging to the Romanticism art movement, this landscape piece measures 51.44 x 33.02 cm and is housed at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth, Texas, US.
In “A Rocky Glen (In the Shawangunks),” Thomas Cole masterfully depicts a rugged, natural landscape. The scene comprises striking rock formations towering amidst verdant foliage, rendered with detailed texture and depth. Dominating the composition is a central figure, diminutive in comparison to the imposing natural surroundings, who stands atop a rock, adding a sense of scale and human presence. The artwork captures the sublime beauty and grandeur of nature, emphasizing the Romantic fascination with untamed wilderness and the emotional response it evokes. The soft pastel hues of the sky contrast with the earthy tones of the rocks and greenery, creating a harmonious and serene atmosphere. This painting is an exquisite example of Cole’s ability to convey the spirit of the American wilderness through his detailed and evocative landscapes.