Artist/Maker
Thomas Cole
(1801 - 1848)
Inscribed backing panel for "The Course of Empire"
1836
Oil on pine board
Overall: 19 7/8 x 42 1/8 in. ( 50.5 x 107 cm )
INV.4815
This wood panel was used as a protective backing for "The Consummation of Empire" canvas from the five-part series of paintings "The Course of Empire". The moving inscription refers to Luman Reed's death on June 7, 1836, and suggests that Cole intended "The Course of Empire" to serve as a lasting memorial to Reed, both as a friend and as a patron of the arts.
DescriptionWood panel inscribed: "This picture with four others constitute a series called The Course of Empire. They were painted for Mr Luman Reed, but before they were completed I had to lament his death. / Thomas Cole. / Catskill.1836"InscribedInscribed: "This picture with four others constitute a series called The / Course of Empire. They were painted for Mrs. Luman Reed, / But before they were completed I had to lament his death. / Thomas Cole. / Catskill. 1836."
ClassificationsPAINTINGS
Henri Lovie
December 10, 1862
1945.580.59
Unidentified artist
19 October 1864
1945.580.100
See-also/See-also