Sunset of the Arno 1837

Thomas Cole painted this ‘Sunset of the Arno’ in oils, although the exact date isn't known. We can see how Cole, an American artist, engaged with European traditions of landscape painting, particularly the picturesque and the sublime. Cole’s image creates meaning through visual codes and cultural references, specifically the romantic idealization of the Italian landscape. This was a popular theme for artists of the time who sought to capture its beauty and historical significance. Cole lived at a time when the Hudson River School sought to establish a distinct American art, but here we see the influence of European models. The painting invites reflection on the social and institutional contexts that shaped artistic production in the 19th century. Scholars consult period travel guides, artists' biographies, and exhibition reviews to understand better the artistic landscape of Cole's time. Art history, then, highlights how the meaning of art depends on its social and institutional context.