Landscape with Tower (from McGuire Scrapbook) 1801 - 1848

"Landscape with Tower (from McGuire Scrapbook)" is a graphite drawing by American artist Thomas Cole, created between 1801 and 1848. The small-scale work, measuring 8 1/2 x 6 1/2 in. (21.6 x 16.5 cm), depicts a solitary tower nestled amidst a landscape. The tower is rendered in simple, yet evocative lines, suggesting the artist's quick sketches and observations, characteristic of the Hudson River School. This preliminary sketch, now held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides insight into Cole's creative process, showcasing his keen eye for detail and his ability to capture the essence of a scene through minimal means.