5 Literary Theme

The Voyage of Life

Childhood

In the first painting, Childhood, every important element of the four series painting is introduced: the voyager, the child, the river, the angel, and the landscape. For this particular one, an infant is safely ensconced in a boat guided by an angel. Cole develops a landscape that is so thriving that it sets the scenery in a pleasant and peaceful place with a lukewarm sunshine. The river is reflecting the innocence and joy of childhood. As this boat rows out a dark cave it symbolizes of our earthly origin and our inexplicable past. The river is narrow and smooth symbolizing the protection experience of infancy. 

Youth

The second painting, Youth, is painted with the same rich green landscape but in this one, it easily captures the viewer’s attention. The youth firmly grabs the boat while waving good-bye to the angel. As the boat sails away from the shore, we can notice that the calm river starts to become narrower and rough. This representing how it is not as easy as it seems to achieve your goals. 

Manhood

The third painting, Manhood, now the youth has grown into an adult and must face the obstacles of life. The boat in this painting is damaged and the tiller is gone. The river is no longer calm and steady, white water begins to rush down the river creating dangerous whirlpools and surging currents. The once used to be warm sunlight have turned cloudy and dark. Trees are beaten up by the strong wind that gushes by. There is no longer green grass; rocks have taken its spot. 

Old Age

Finally, the last painting, Old Age, gives off an imagery of death. The man has grown old and no long able to survive. The waters have calm down, flowing into the open sea. As the boat sails out, we can notice again that there is no longer any green grass or trees. However, the angel reappears and descends from heaven. The man is once again happy, knowing that the angel is back to guide him to heaven. Like Cole said “The chains of corporeal existence are falling away; and already the mind has glimpses of immortal life”

The Titan's Goblet

One of the most famous painting of Cole's is The Titan's Goblet, This may be one of the few works that makes him well know. Because this painting is developed in 1832 in Italy, where it is known for its public fountains with later people threw coins into it while making wishes. During his visit to Florence, Rome and Tivoli, he was fascinated by the structure of the fountains; therefore, he constructed a portrait of one. As you can see Cole does a great job with the landscapes in the background letting a huge fountain stand out, not to only mention how it looked bigger than the mountains in the back but also how full it is, the structure of life.

Work Cited
http://www.explorethomascole.org/tour/items/73 

http://www.nga.gov/fcgi-bin/tinfo_f?object=52167.0&detail=none

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/04.29.2