“Study for The Cross and the World” is an artwork created by Thomas Cole between 1846 and 1847, employing oil on panel as its medium. This piece belongs to the Romanticism movement and measures 46.2 x 30.1 cm. It is categorized under the genre of sketches and studies and forms part of “The Cross and the World” series. Currently, the artwork is housed in the Brooklyn Museum, located in New York City, NY, USA.
The artwork depicts a dramatic and ethereal scene, characteristic of the Romanticism movement. The most striking element of the piece is the radiant cross-like light dominating the upper center of the composition, piercing through the cloudy sky. Below, figures are seen ascending a path towards the brilliant light, symbolizing a spiritual journey or enlightenment. The use of light and shadow is intricate, with the interplay creating a sense of depth and otherworldly atmosphere. The landscape features rocky and uneven terrain, indicative of the arduous nature of the journey. The artist’s skillful manipulation of the medium renders a luminous and transcendent effect, encapsulating the themes of faith and divine guidance.
