Thomas (1801) Cole Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Thomas (1801) Cole Art Value Price Guide

Aug. 29, 2026
THOMAS COLE (NY/UK, 1801-1848)
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
THOMAS COLE (NY/UK, 1801-1848) "Catskill Sunset", monumental oil on canvas, unsigned, a Hudson Valley scene, with a lonely figure of a woman seated under a tree on the right bank, roses in the lower left corner, unframed. The original stretcher is branded with numbers "219" & "1827", possibly estate number and year? Also has 1980's paper label from dealer E. Stacy-Marks of Eastbourne. Small repaired punctures lower left. Cole studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in 1823 and in 1825 he moved to New York where he was discovered by John Trumbull, William Dunlap and Asher Durand who saw his sketches of the Hudson River Valley and the Catskill Mountains in a shop window. They bought a painting, and his reputation was made.
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Jul. 15, 2026
Thomas Cole 1801-1848 Sailboat in Harbor Painting
Est: $400 - $800
Thomas Cole (American, 1801-1848), oil on canvas painting depicting a moody maritime harbor scene with docked sailing vessels beneath an atmospheric sky. The composition features expressive brushwork and tonal coloration characteristic of Hudson River School-influenced marine painting, emphasizing light, atmosphere, and the grandeur of the natural environment. Presented in an ornate gilt frame. Retains old labels verso identifying the artist and providing biographical information. Work Size: 10 x 8 in. Dimensions: 17 X 15 X 3 in. Condition: Fair overall antique condition with typical age-related surface wear throughout. The work exhibits yellowing to the varnish and evidence of prior restoration in the upper right quadrant. The frame exhibits normal storage wear along the edges and corners consistent with age. Note: This condition statement is provided as a courtesy and reflects an opinion, not a statement of fact. Bidders are encouraged to inspect items in person or through an agent to assess condition. Estate fresh to the market. Shipping Information: Hill Auction Gallery does not offer in-house packing or shipping services. As a courtesy, we are pleased to refer trusted third-party shipping providers for buyer convenience. Buyers are encouraged to contact shippers directly to obtain packing quotes, shipping rates, insurance options, and estimated transit times. Additional local, domestic, and international shipper referrals may be available upon request. Parcel Shipping Providers: First Class Shipping Center, 11700 NW 41st Street, Coral Springs, FL. Phone (754) 800-7674. Email 1shippingcenter@gmail.com. Mr. Ship Pro, 7838 NW 44th St, Sunrise, FL 33351. Phone (305) 783-9504. Email roberto@mrshippro.com. The UPS Store #2881, 11110 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise, FL 33351. Phone (954) 572-4004. Email store2881@theupsstore.com. Freight & Large Item Shipping / Local Florida Delivery: Available through independent providers. Please contact info@hillauctiongallery.com for referrals based on item size, location, and delivery requirements.
Hill Auction Gallery
Jun. 18, 2026
Thomas Cole, oil on canvas, ex museum
Est: $700 - $1,000
Thomas Cole (American, 1801-1848), Landscape, initialed "T.C." lower right, attribution plaque to frame, 30"h x 23"w (sight), 46"h x 39"w (frame)
Millea Bros Ltd
Apr. 12, 2026
THOMAS COLE (ATTRIB.) (AMERICAN, 1801-1848).
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Temple of Segesta'. Circa 1820-30. Oil on panel. Provenance: Estate of Mind Auctions, Middletown, NY, September 21, 2013. Literature: Antiques and The Arts Weekly, September 6, 2013, page 26. Property from a Bellmore, NY estate. Dimensions: 21" h x 30" w. Frame: 30" h x 39" w.
Clarke Auction Gallery
Jan. 24, 2026
Italian Landscape
Est: $100,000 - $150,000
Property from a Descendant of the Artist Thomas Cole 1801 - 1848 Italian Landscape signed T.C. (lower right) oil on canvas 10 ⅛ by 14 ¼ in. 25.7 by 36.2 cm. Executed circa 1840s. Please note: This painting has been requested for the forthcoming exhibition and catalogue, Picturing a Classic Land: Thomas Cole and Sicily, curated by Franklin Kelly and presented at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, May 2 - October 31, 2027.
Sotheby's
Dec. 07, 2025
Thomas Cole (1801 - 1848) Signed American Hudson River Voyage Of Life Original Etching
Est: $300 - $500
Vintage engraving on paper by Thomas Cole (1801 - 1848). Measuring: 27 by 32 inches overall, and 18 by 23 painting alone. Please see all images for condition. Size is measured and written on the back of the painting or next to each object. The first size is the overall size, the second size is the image size. For detailed condition questions please email charles@curatedgallery.com. Domestic flat rate shipping with UPS or Fedex is set to $175 for this lot. Pick up at our 67 Guernsey street location is available 12-7pm by appointment for two weeks following the sale by appointment. Please call or email and let us know when you would like to pick up! Local delivery is also available around the area for large pieces or large orders. Flat rate delivery to, NY, PA, OH, NJ, CT, MA, DC as well as NYC and Brooklyn available as well. Thank you and good luck.
Curated Gallery Auctions
Nov. 19, 2025
THOMAS COLE, NEW YORK 1801-1848, THE VOYAGE OF LIFE SERIES, Engraving, Sight: 18 x 23 1/4 in. (45.7 x 59.1 cm.), Frame: 21 x 26 1/4 in. (53.3 x 66.7 cm.)
Est: $600 - $800
THOMAS COLE NEW YORK, 1801-1848 THE VOYAGE OF LIFE SERIES Engraving Engraved by James Smillie; Published by B.B. Russell of Boston; Printed by J.H. Daniels, Boston (4) Catalogue note: A complete set of identical prints is in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Wash. D.C. (from The Corcoran Collection), inv. nos.: 2015.19.338-341.
Potomack Company
Jun. 28, 2025
THOMAS COLE (NY/UK, 1801-1848)
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
THOMAS COLE (NY/UK, 1801-1848) Hudson Valley Twilight, oil on cardstock, unsigned, partial label verso from Berry-Hill Galleries, NY, housed in vintage gilt deep cove frame.
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Jun. 21, 2025
Attr. Thomas Cole (American, 1801-1848), Portrait of a Woman
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Thomas Cole (American, 1801-1848) Portrait of a Woman oil on canvas unsigned 15 x 11 1/4 inches (sight) 22 x 18 inches (frame)
Fontaine's Auction Gallery
Jun. 19, 2025
Thomas Cole & Victorian Clockmaking by J.B. Hawkins
Est: $30 - $50
Thomas Cole & Victorian Clockmaking by J.B. Hawkins
Lawsons
Jan. 23, 2025
THOMAS COLE (1801-1848). Mount Chocorua, New Hampshire. oil on gessoed pane
Est: $800,000 - $1,200,000
THOMAS COLE (1801-1848). Mount Chocorua, New Hampshire. oil on gessoed panel23 x 32 ½ in. (58.4 x 82.6 cm.).
Christie's
Oct. 14, 2024
"Figures on a Path" Oil on Canvas, Attributed to Thomas Cole (1801-1848) "
Est: $500 - $10,000
Figures on a Path, Oil on Canvas, Attributed to Thomas Cole (1801-1848). Framed size 30 3/8" x 25". Sight size 22.75" x 17.5". Part two of a single-owner Lancaster, Ohio collection. We sold the first part of this collection last July. All sales final. Invoices above $2500 must be paid with cash, cashier's check or wire transfer. In-house shipping is available. Pickup is Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 1 pm to 3 pm in Carroll, OH or by appointment by Nov. 1. We can provide in-house shipping for this item. We pack once the lot is paid for. Once packed up we will send you an invoice for shipping and handling. Shipping questions: shipping@burnsbid.com Sales tax will be collected on all bidders. If tax exempt, make sure your certification is submitted with the bid platform.
Burns Auction & Appraisal, LLC.
Aug. 24, 2024
ATTRIBUTED TO THOMAS COLE (NY/UK, 1801-1848)
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
ATTRIBUTED TO THOMAS COLE (NY/UK, 1801-1848) "Mount Chocorua" (New Hampshire), oval oil on canvas, unsigned, depicting the mountain, a lake and a hunting party in the foreground. In the original gilt cove gesso oval frame, circa 1845,, OS: 15" x 19", SS: 9 1/2" x 14 1/2', relined. Note verso from Kennedy Galleries of NYC inscribed 'Property of Robert Coleman'.
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Jun. 28, 2024
Dante e Virgilio in Purgatorio
Est: €10,000 - €20,000
La tela rappresenta un passaggio della Divina Commedia di Dante, opera letteraria ricorrente nella carriera artistica di Thomas Cole (1801 - 1848), considerato il fondatore della Hudson River School, movimento artistico americano che fiorì nella metà del XIX secolo. La Hudson River School, nota per utilizzare stilemi propri del Romanticismo e del Naturalismo (così come nei lavori di Thomas Cole), è altresi caratterizzata dalla rappresentazione realistica e dettagliata dei paesaggi americani. Lo stile dell'opera riflette un gusto classico riconducibile al Maestro originario di Bolton. Tuttavia il gruppo di opere ricondotte all'artista è spesso eterogeneo e non sempre coerente. Non sorprende allora che la tela sia stata attribuita in passato a John Martin (1789 - 1854), pittore romantico da cui Thomas Cole trasse ispirazione. In cornice.
DAMS Casa d'Aste
Jun. 19, 2024
Thomas Cole, London Strut Clock
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
A Fine and Large Mid 19th Century Thomas Cole, London Engraved Octagonal Gilt Brass Strut Clock. Signed to movement and numbered 1457 to feet, retailed by Tegelsten & Thornley, St Petersburg. Movement: Going barrel, vertical platform lever escapment with gold three arm balance. Silvered oval dial with floral engraved border. Measures 12-1/2" H, 10-1/2" W. Condition: Very good condition. Running. Estimate: $3000.00 - $5000.00 Domestic Shipping: $145.00
Kodner Galleries
Feb. 06, 2024
THOMAS COLE CLOCK, U.K. FINEST CLOCK MAKER.
Est: $6,000 - $8,000
THOMAS COLE CLOCK, U.K. FINEST CLOCK MAKER. A FINE ENGRAVED GILT BRASS GIANT OCTAGONAL STRUT TIMEPIECE Thomas Cole, London, no. 1457, retailed by Tegelsten & Thornley, St. Petersburg Date: Mid 19th century Movement: Going barrel, vertical platform lever escapement with gold three arm balance Dial: Silvered oval with engraved floral border, roman chapter ring enclosing engraved strap work in the center, blue spade hands Case: Octagonal bezel enclosing gilt dial mask, conforming back plate with block feet engraved with further flowers and strap work, folding support Signed: By Cole on movement, numbered 1457 on both feet, retailer's signature on back plate. Size: 12 ½ in (32cm) high.
Antique Place
Jan. 18, 2024
THOMAS COLE (1801-1848) - View Near Catskill
Est: $500,000 - $700,000
THOMAS COLE (1801-1848) View Near Catskill oil on panel 24 ¾ x 35 in. (62.9 x 88.9 cm.)
Christie's
Jan. 11, 2024
THOMAS COLE UNTITLED WATERFALL SCENE, O/C
Est: $500 - $700
Thomas Casilear Cole (American 1888-1976), untitled waterfall scene, oil on canvas, depicting a flowing waterfall surrounded by trees and rocks, signed to lower right, in a gilt frame. Provenance: From The Estate of Carolyn Joiner Childers, Monroe, Georgia. Approximate dimensions: canvas h. 40", w. 29.75"; frame h. 48.5", w. 38.25", d. 2"
Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
Oct. 26, 2023
THOMAS COLE, American 1801-1848, Mount Chocorua, White Mountains, ca. 1827, oil on panel, 9 3/4 x 14 3/4 inches (24.8 x 37.5 cm.), Frame: 18 1/2 x 3 1/4 x 23 3/4 in. (47 x 8.3 x 60.3 cm.)
Est: $100,000 - $150,000
THOMAS COLE American, 1801-1848 Mount Chocorua, White Mountains, ca. 1827 oil on panel unsigned
Shannon's
Sep. 19, 2023
Thomas Cole (British/American, 1801-1848) Wild Landscape with a Figure 7 x 5 1/2 in. framed 14 1/4 x 12 1/8 x 1 1/2 in.
Est: $1,200 - $1,800
Thomas Cole (British/American, 1801-1848) Wild Landscape with a Figure initialed 'T.C' (lower right), inscribed 'By/Tom Cole/artist' (on the reverse) watercolor and ink on paper 7 x 5 1/2 in. framed 14 1/4 x 12 1/8 x 1 1/2 in.
Bonhams
Sep. 19, 2023
Thomas Cole (British/American, 1801-1848) Classical Ruins Sketch 6 x 12 in. framed 13 3/4 x 19 3/4 x 22 3/4 in.
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Thomas Cole (British/American, 1801-1848) Classical Ruins Sketch signed 'T. Cole' (lower right), titled on a presentation plaque and on an exhibition label (affixed to the frame backing) oil on canvas mounted to panel 6 x 12 in. framed 13 3/4 x 19 3/4 x 22 3/4 in.
Bonhams
Aug. 26, 2023
THOMAS COLE, (NY/UK, 1801-1848)
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Chiarascuro Landscape Study of a dramatic rock formation pierced by a river, white and black chalk on tan paper, signed and dated lower right "T. Cole, 1843". In gold cove beaded frame, matted under plexiglass, OS: 25" x 19", SS: 17" x 11".
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Aug. 15, 2023
THOMAS COLE CLOCK, U.K. FINEST CLOCK MAKER.
Est: $6,000 - $8,000
THOMAS COLE CLOCK, U.K. FINEST CLOCK MAKER. A FINE ENGRAVED GILT BRASS GIANT OCTAGONAL STRUT TIMEPIECE Thomas Cole, London, no. 1457, retailed by Tegelsten & Thornley, St. Petersburg Date: Mid 19th century Movement: Going barrel, vertical platform lever escapement with gold three arm balance Dial: Silvered oval with engraved floral border, roman chapter ring enclosing engraved strap work in the center, blue spade hands Case: Octagonal bezel enclosing gilt dial mask, conforming back plate with block feet engraved with further flowers and strap work, folding support Signed: By Cole on movement, numbered 1457 on both feet, retailer's signature on back plate. Size: 12 ½ in (32cm) high.
Antique Place
Aug. 04, 2023
Thomas Cole Clockmaking
Est: $50 - $80
Thomas Cole and Victorian Clockmaking by JB Hawkins. Published by Printed Privately for the Author, Sydney, 1975.
Sydney Rare Book Auctions
Jul. 25, 2023
THOMAS COLE CLOCK, U.K. FINEST CLOCK MAKER.
Est: $6,000 - $8,000
THOMAS COLE CLOCK, U.K. FINEST CLOCK MAKER. A FINE ENGRAVED GILT BRASS GIANT OCTAGONAL STRUT TIMEPIECE Thomas Cole, London, no. 1457, retailed by Tegelsten & Thornley, St. Petersburg Date: Mid 19th century Movement: Going barrel, vertical platform lever escapement with gold three arm balance Dial: Silvered oval with engraved floral border, roman chapter ring enclosing engraved strap work in the center, blue spade hands Case: Octagonal bezel enclosing gilt dial mask, conforming back plate with block feet engraved with further flowers and strap work, folding support Signed: By Cole on movement, numbered 1457 on both feet, retailer's signature on back plate. Size: 12 ½ in (32cm) high.
Antique Place
Jun. 02, 2023
Thomas Cole Clockmaking
Est: $80 - $120
Thomas Cole and Victorian Clockmaking by JB Hawkins. Published by Printed Privately for the Author, Sydney, 1975.
Sydney Rare Book Auctions
Apr. 18, 2023
American Thomas Cole Frame
Est: $200 - $300
American, ca. 1840, in the style favored by Thomas Cole. Overall 39 1/2" x 47 1/2", rabbet 28" x 36", molding 6".
Old Kinderhook Auction Company
Feb. 21, 2023
Painting after Thomas Cole (1801-1848 American). Oil on canvas unsigned in a period original frame. The background depicts a hunter with his dog wandering in the Catskills landscapes. 12" x 9"and 17"x14" framed
Est: $1,500 - $3,000
Painting after Thomas Cole (1801-1848 American). Oil on canvas unsigned in a period original frame. The background depicts a hunter with his dog wandering in the Catskills landscapes. 12" x 9"and 17"x14" framed
Bill Hood & Sons Arts & Antiques Auctions
Feb. 15, 2023
19th Century Oil on Canvas - Castle Scene
Est: $300 - $500
19th Century Oil on Canvas by Thomas Cole (1801-1848). Depicting a castle on a hill near a lake. Signed lower middle. Has two tears. Frame has molding loss. Measures 17.5" tall x 24" wide. All invoices must be paid within 24 hours of the sale. This auction is Local Pick Up or Shipping with the Local UPS Store in Monmouth Junction, NJ. Local pickups are at our Monmouth Junction location on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday ONLY! All pickups are by appointment only. Any condition issues will be listed in the description. Please read the terms for full information.
Bodnar's Auction Sales
Feb. 13, 2023
THOMAS COLE CLOCK, U.K. FINEST CLOCK MAKER.
Est: $6,000 - $8,000
THOMAS COLE CLOCK, U.K. FINEST CLOCK MAKER. A FINE ENGRAVED GILT BRASS GIANT OCTAGONAL STRUT TIMEPIECE Thomas Cole, London, no. 1457, retailed by Tegelsten & Thornley, St. Petersburg Date: Mid 19th century Movement: Going barrel, vertical platform lever escapement with gold three arm balance Dial: Silvered oval with engraved floral border, roman chapter ring enclosing engraved strap work in the center, blue spade hands Case: Octagonal bezel enclosing gilt dial mask, conforming back plate with block feet engraved with further flowers and strap work, folding support Signed: By Cole on movement, numbered 1457 on both feet, retailer's signature on back plate. Size: 12 ½ in (32cm) high.
Antique Place
Dec. 20, 2022
THOMAS COLE CLOCK, U.K. FINEST CLOCK MAKER.
Est: $6,000 - $8,000
THOMAS COLE CLOCK, U.K. FINEST CLOCK MAKER. A FINE ENGRAVED GILT BRASS GIANT OCTAGONAL STRUT TIMEPIECE Thomas Cole, London, no. 1457, retailed by Tegelsten & Thornley, St. Petersburg Date: Mid 19th century Movement: Going barrel, vertical platform lever escapement with gold three arm balance Dial: Silvered oval with engraved floral border, roman chapter ring enclosing engraved strap work in the center, blue spade hands Case: Octagonal bezel enclosing gilt dial mask, conforming back plate with block feet engraved with further flowers and strap work, folding support Signed: By Cole on movement, numbered 1457 on both feet, retailer's signature on back plate. Size: 12 ½ in (32cm) high.
Antique Place
Nov. 29, 2022
Erastus S. Field, "The Voyage of Life - Youth"
Est: $400 - $600
Attributed to Erastus Salisbury Field (American, 1805-1900), oil on canvas after Thomas Cole (American,1801-1848), "The Voyage of Life - Youth", 31" x 46" canvas.
Old Kinderhook Auction Company
Nov. 22, 2022
THOMAS COLE CLOCK, U.K. FINEST CLOCK MAKER.
Est: $6,000 - $8,000
THOMAS COLE CLOCK, U.K. FINEST CLOCK MAKER. A FINE ENGRAVED GILT BRASS GIANT OCTAGONAL STRUT TIMEPIECE Thomas Cole, London, no. 1457, retailed by Tegelsten & Thornley, St. Petersburg Date: Mid 19th century Movement: Going barrel, vertical platform lever escapement with gold three arm balance Dial: Silvered oval with engraved floral border, roman chapter ring enclosing engraved strap work in the center, blue spade hands Case: Octagonal bezel enclosing gilt dial mask, conforming back plate with block feet engraved with further flowers and strap work, folding support Signed: By Cole on movement, numbered 1457 on both feet, retailer's signature on back plate. Size: 12 ½ in (32cm) high.
Antique Place
Nov. 03, 2022
Thomas Cole American, 1801-1848 Tree By a Pond, circa 1830
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Thomas Cole American, 1801-1848 Tree By a Pond, circa 1830 Oil on board 4 1/2 x 3 3/8 inches Provenance: The artist The estate of the artist Kennedy Galleries, Inc., New York Mark Borghi Fine Art, Inc., New York Exhibited: New York, Kennedy Galleries, Inc. An Exhibition of paintings by Thomas Cole N.A. from the Artist's Studio, Catskill, New York, Nov. 24 - Dec. 1964, no. 17, illus. in cat. p. 9 C Property from a Distinguished New York Collection
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Sep. 22, 2022
THOMAS COLE Youth.
Est: $30,000 - $50,000
THOMAS COLE Youth. Oil on canvas, circa 1839-40. 265x210 mm; 10 1/4x8 1/4 inches. This work is likely a study for the red robed figure on the boat crossing the river in Cole's (1801-1848) oil painting The Voyage of Life: Youth, now in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Provenance: Private collection, Birmingham, Michigan. Exhibited: "Side by Side", Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, Utica, New York, October 5-December 15, 1985, page 11, catalogue number 9. The Voyage of Life is a series of four paintings created by Cole in 1842, representing an allegory of the four stages of human life. The paintings, Childhood, Youth, Manhood, and Old Age, depict a voyager who travels in a boat on a river through the mid-19th-century American wilderness. In each painting the voyager rides the boat on the River of Life accompanied by a guardian angel. The landscape, each reflecting one of the four seasons of the year, plays a significant role in conveying the story. With each installment the boat's direction of travel is reversed from the previous picture. In childhood, the infant glides from a dark cave into a rich, green landscape. As a youth, the boy takes control of the boat and aims for a shining castle in the sky. In manhood, the adult relies on prayer and religious faith to sustain him through rough waters and a threatening landscape. Finally, the man becomes old, and the angel guides him to heaven across the waters of eternity. The Voyage of Life was well received by both critics and the public; the United States was experiencing the religious revival sometimes known as the Second Great Awakening. The four paintings were reproduced as engravings by James Smillie (1807–1885) after Cole's death and the engravings widely distributed in time for the Third Great Awakening, further bestowing the series the great prestige and popular acclaim it retains today.
Swann Auction Galleries
Aug. 26, 2022
Thomas Cole (AM 1801-1848)
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
Thomas Cole (American 1801-1848) View of the Catskills oil on canvas unsigned . Cleaned and relined -repairs to original frame. 14 x 20" 21 x 27" as framed.
Merrill's Auctioneers & Appraisers
Mar. 24, 2022
Thomas Cole (1801-1848 )American Autumn Landscape
Est: $2,500 - $4,500
Thomas Cole (1801-1848 )AUTUMN LANDSCAPE Oil on Cardboard Signed and date ,measures 6"x7.5" inches
Cutler Bay Auctions
Jan. 28, 2022
Thomas COLE: Framed Poster
Est: $50 - $100
Thomas Cole's "The Consummation of Empires" poster, in a gilt frame. [Art: 23 5/8" H x 26 1/2' W; Frame: 25 1/4" H x 29" W]. In good condition.
Roland Auctions NY
Jan. 08, 2022
Manner of Thomas Cole (British/American, 1801-1848)
Est: $800 - $1,200
Manner of Thomas Cole (British/American, 1801-1848) Landscape with Village oil on canvas signed lower right 20 x 23 3/4 inches (frame) 11 1/2 x 15 1/2 inches (sight)
Fontaine's Auction Gallery
Nov. 05, 2021
Thomas Cole (American, 1801-1848) River Landscape (American Lake in Summer) Oil
Est: $60,000 - $80,000
Thomas Cole (American, 1801-1848) River Landscape (American Lake in Summer) Oil on canvas 7-1/2 x 10-1/2 inches (19.1 x 26.7 cm) PROVENANCE: Private collection, Washington, Connecticut; Questroyal Fine Art, LLC, New York, acquired from the above, 2007; Private collection, East Coast, acquired from the above, 2008. We wish to thank noted Cole scholar Dr. Alan Wallach for providing the following essay. His report accompanies the lot: River Landscape is unsigned and undated. It's a highly detailed sketch but not a finished painting. In addition, its provenance is incomplete. According to Pavla Berghen-Wolf, a research associate at Questroyal Fine Art LLS, the painting was part of a private collection in Washington, Connecticut. In 2007, Questroyal acquired the painting, and in 2008 sold it to a collector in Riverside, Connecticut. Questroyal held the painting under the title Landscape (American Lake in Summer). Although it is impossible to trace the painting directly back to Thomas Cole, I believe it comes from his hand. The most immediate clue to Cole's authorship can be found in the sky. By the late 1830s, Cole had developed a formula for painting clouds in which a large cumulous cloud surmounts a long trailing cloud. Often the long trailing cloud is darker than the cumulous cloud as in Clouds (c. 1938, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York) and Italian Coast Scene with Ruined Tower (1938, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC), and in the painting in question. In the latter, the underside of the cumulus cloud and trailing cloud are a combination of gray and bits of a reddish pink color, which can be seen elsewhere in the sky. I would add that the sky in River Landscape is not as luminous as the sky in some of Cole's paintings, but the touches of pink suggest the sort of sky he would have created had he brought the sketch to a higher state of finish. Cole's handling of trees furnishes another clue to his authorship. In his sketches and in some of his finished paintings, he would use a few touches of green paint to represent a tree silhouetted against the sky or against a more distant part of the landscape. This device appears in River Landscape and Clouds. Four other characteristics link the painting to Cole. First, although not Cole's uniquely, the artist often employed a compositional format in which one side of the composition is closed or near and the other side opens onto a larger space, a compositional format often found in classical baroque landscape paintings, for example in works by Claude, an artist Cole especially admired. Second, the artist's characteristic palette is very much in evidence in the grays, blues, pinks, and whites, of the sky, in the dark and light greens, browns, and touches of yellow in the landscape, and in the muted reflections of the entire color ensemble in the water. Third, Cole's distinctive touch appears throughout. It is present in areas in which paint is thinly applied and others in which the artist employs a thick impasto. Finally, the painting recapitulates Cole's insistence on including small details, a feature of such well-known works as The Oxbow, 1836, and View on the Catskill, Early Autumn, 1837 (both in the Metropolitan Museum of Art), his talent for miniaturization, and his habit of including barely-visible forms in his landscapes. . . . Taking into account the arguments I've set forth above, I can only conclude that Thomas Cole painted River Landscape. Alan Wallach Professorial Lecturer in Art History, George Washington University Ralph H. Wark Professor of Art and Art History and Professor of American Studies Emeritus The College of William and Mary Please note: My opin
Heritage Auctions
Aug. 25, 2021
Thomas Cole (1801-1848) Hudson River School Sketch
Est: $100 - $1,000
Thomas Cole (Anglo American 1801-1848). Signed hand drawn sketch. A romantic landscape study with a town, buildings, profuse trees, and a mountainous vista to background. Bears signature THOMAS COLE to lower right. Presented in a black matte and ornate gilt frame. Sold without provenance. SHIPPING Hill Auction Gallery will offer in-house continental USA shipping for $85 plus insurance. Gallery will refer a local shipper for international buyers. Purchaser pick up available upon request. Got something to sell? Contact us at HillAuctionGallery.com.
Hill Auction Gallery
Aug. 25, 2021
Thomas Cole (1801-1848) Hudson River School Sketch
Est: $100 - $1,000
Thomas Cole (Anglo American 1801-1848). Signed hand drawn sketch. A romantic landscape study with a town, profuse buildings, trees to foreground, and a mountainous vista to background. Bears signature THOMAS COLE to lower right. Presented in a tan matte and rustic wood frame. Sold without provenance. Work Size: 7.5 x 10 in. SHIPPING Hill Auction Gallery will offer in-house continental USA shipping for $65 plus insurance. Gallery will refer a local shipper for international buyers. Purchaser pick up available upon request. Got something to sell? Contact us at HillAuctionGallery.com.
Hill Auction Gallery
Jun. 08, 2021
Thomas Cole Voyage of Life, Framed Print
Est: $50 - $100
20th century color print of Thomas Cole's Voyage of Life: Manhood, housed in a fine custom frame, 20" x 30" image, 28" x 38" framed.
Old Kinderhook Auction Company
Jun. 08, 2021
Thomas Cole Voyage of Life, Framed Print
Est: $50 - $100
20th century color print of Thomas Cole's Voyage of Life: Old Age, housed in a fine custom frame, 20" x 30" image, 28" x 38" framed.
Old Kinderhook Auction Company
Jun. 08, 2021
Thomas Cole Voyage of Life, Framed Print
Est: $50 - $100
20th century color print of Thomas Cole's Voyage of Life: Childhood, housed in a fine custom frame, 20" x 30" image, 28" x 38" framed.
Old Kinderhook Auction Company
Jun. 08, 2021
Thomas Cole Voyage of Life, Framed Print
Est: $50 - $100
20th century color print of Thomas Cole's Voyage of Life: Youth, housed in a fine custom frame, 20" x 30" image, 28" x 38" framed.
Old Kinderhook Auction Company
May. 27, 2021
Thomas Cole (English, 1801 - 1848) Original Sketch
Est: $50 - $150
DESCRIPTION: Thomas Cole (English, February 1, 1801 ‚Äì February 11, 1848) Original pencil sketch depicting a valley landscape. Signed "Thomas Cole" lower right. Framed. CIRCA: 19th Century. ORIGIN: England. USA. DIMENSIONS: Frame is H: 13 1/2" W: 16 1/2". Sketch is W: 10" H: 7 3/4". CONDITION: Antique condition. Frame has scratches and chips. See lot description for details on item condition. More detailed condition requests can be obtained via email (info@akibaantiques.com) or SMS (305) 333-4134. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Akiba Antiques shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Akiba Galleries
Apr. 10, 2021
Thomas Cole. "Italian Cottage," diminutive oil
Est: $3,000 - $4,000
(American, 1801-1848). Oil on panel, unsigned, identifying information affixed on verso, Kennedy Galleries, New York, NY, and Gerald P. Peters Gallery, Santa Fe, NM, additional information inscribed verso of painting, brass title and name plate affixed to frame, 2 x 3 1/2 in., framed.
Alex Cooper