Destruction | Thomas Cole | 1836 17th Century The stillness of the forest

The stillness of the forest and the soft lunar glow evoke a contemplative

probably best remembered for his paintings of the Hudson River

This painting captures a vibrant sunset with dramatic red and orange hues streaking across the sky

or cloaked in mist

and landscape painter and engraver from Stockholm

Destruction | Thomas Cole | 1836 17th Century The stillness of the forestThe action is the sack and destruction of the city, in the course of a tempest seen in the distance. It seems that a fleet of enemy warriors has overthrown the city's defenses, sailed up the river, and is busy ransacking the city and killing its inhabitants and raping women. The bridge across which the triumphant procession had crossed is broken; a makeshift crossing strains under the weight of soldiers and refugees. Columns are broken, and fire