Study for The Cross and the World 1847

"Study for The Cross and the World" is a small oil painting by Thomas Cole, created in 1847. The painting shows a figure standing on a rocky hill, looking up at a radiant light shining through the clouds, representing the presence of God. The artist is best known for his Hudson River School paintings, which emphasize the beauty and power of nature. Cole's later works often explored themes of religion and spirituality, and this study is a good example of his style. The painting is currently housed in the Brooklyn Museum in New York City.