The Hudson River School, one of the United States' first major art movements, has long been a lens through which to view the anxieties surrounding industrialization, empire, and environmental destruction. Ed Simon's insightful piece delves into the prescient apocalyptic visions of artists like Thomas Cole, whose iconic series 'Course of Empire' (1833–36) is currently on long-term display at the New York Historical Society.
Through the lens of these historical artworks, Simon highlights how the artists grappled with the changing landscape of America and the implications of progress. The series serves as a powerful reminder of the environmental challenges that continue to resonate today.
