The Course of Empire: The Consummation of the Empire by Thomas Cole
The Course of Empire: The Consummation of the Empire by Thomas Cole, completed in 1836, is a pivotal piece in Cole’s renowned series, The Course of Empire. This painting represents the pinnacle of the empire’s grandeur and opulence, illustrating a climactic moment in the series where civilization reaches its peak.
The artwork depicts a majestic cityscape bathed in a golden glow, showcasing the height of architectural and cultural achievement. Cole's composition is characterized by its grand scale, elaborate structures, and vibrant colors, reflecting the zenith of the empire's power and sophistication. The painting captures a moment of triumph and excess, contrasting sharply with the preceding phases of decline and destruction in the series.
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Where and When Made: United States, 1836
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Medium: Oil on canvas
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Full Artwork Name: The Consummation of the Empire (part of The Course of Empire series)
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Artwork Style: Hudson River School, noted for its detailed and dramatic landscapes and historical allegory
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Current Location: The New-York Historical Society
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Subject/Topic: The peak of a fictional empire's grandeur, illustrating its architectural and cultural zenith before eventual decline
