Angels Ministering to Christ in the Wilderness
Artist
Thomas Cole
(American, 1801–1848)
Date1843
Mediumoil on linen
Dimensionscanvas: 189.2 x 152.4 cm (74 1/2 x 60 in.)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineCharlotte E.W. Buffington Fund
Terms
Object number1970.118
DescriptionTwo white-robed angels and Christ in white garment and dark red robe are in foreground in front of two trees. Desolate landscape.Label TextThis painting is one of the Thomas Cole's largest biblical subjects, depicting the moment after the temptation described in Mathew 4:11: "Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him." This work is a strong example of Cole's effort to join landscape and history painting. The vast, rocky panorama is a metaphor for Christ's suffering, and the scarred cypress and two smaller trees symbolize Christ and the angels. This painting was originally part of a larger composition that included the devil retreating after failing to tempt Christ; that portion of the canvas is now a the Baltimore Museum of Art. Thomas Cole was born in England and moved to America in 1819. He became the leader of the Hudson River School of landscape painting. Cole believed that the rich American wilderness would provide artists with endless variety of landscapes. He also argued that the drama found in nature could be employed to impart moral lessons, just as history paintings did.ProvenanceThe artist, Catskill, NY; by descent to Mrs. Florence H. Cole Vincent, granddaughter of the artist, Catskill, NY; purchased by I. J. Zweig, Eden Galleries, Salem, NY at Cole auction, Catskill, NY, September 2, 1964; Coston C. Crouse, Grandby, MO; purchased by the Museum, September 28, 1970.
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