V5304

Hudson River School

Distant View of Niagara Falls by Thomas Cole

Collins Cover Announcement

Hudson River School

Thomas Cole

The Hudson River School was an 1800s American art movement encompassing a group of landscape painters. The name comes from the Hudson River Valley and surrounding areas including the Catskills, Adirondack, and White Mountains The resulting paintings reflect the three themes of discovery, exploration, and settlement. They also depict the American landscape as a pastoral setting where humans and nature coexist in harmony. I have always immensely enjoyed these paintings and was very pleased when these four new stamps were announced.

Thomas Cole is regarded as _the_ founding_artist of the Hudson River-School--At-an early age--in-Ohio, Cole had little success in painting portraits so switched his interest to landscapes. In 1825 he moved to New York City and the following year helped establish the National Academy of Design. On a summer trip to the Hudson Valley, he painted five landscapes two of which were purchased by a Mr. A. Seton who lent them to the annual exhibit at the American Academy of the Fine Arts. From that point on, Cole enjoyed a growing reputation and a number of wealthy clients. His beautiful work inspired his artistic peers, especially Arthur B. Durand and Frederic Edwin Church.

My individually hand painted cachet features a portrait of the famous artist. Behind him is an artistic rendering of a landscape done in his style which laid the groundwork for the Hudson Valley School. It is a peaceful setting showing a serene mountain lake with towering peaks behind. In this case, man and nature come together as a young fisherman leaves his simple wooden boat and walks ashore. It certainly gives one a peaceful feeling and a sense of wellbeing.

Even though the works and styles of these talented painters are from almost two hundred years ago, they reflect my own attitude and feeling in expression of nature's beauty and grandeur. As a cachetmaker, I consider this cover and the other three to come, as an important personal statement on my own artistic appreciation. I hope this mini-set of four will hold a special place in your collection.

Thomas Cole is now ready. Collins #V5304 at $15.00.