Additional Funding Provided by Robert and Doris Fischer Malesardi

Part ONE | REFRAMING AN EMPIRE

The Myth of American Identity and Thomas Cole

In the first episode of Reframing an Empire, examine the profound influence of Thomas Cole's technique and artistry on American art, specifically New York: The Empire State. Discover how his paintings shaped the American identity and aesthetic.

Part TWO | REFRAMING AN EMPIRE

Discovering the Legacy of Thomas Cole

In part two of Reframing an Empire, we delve into the life, times, and legacy of Thomas Cole, founder of the Hudson River School art movement. Known for his romantic landscape paintings, Cole's work remains some of the first of the American Landscape. Join us as we uncover the history and significance of his art, exploring the influences behind his work and the lasting impact of his legacy.

Part THREE | REFRAMING AN EMPIRE

Man vs Land: Creation and Evolution of New York

In Part Three of Reframing an Empire, we dive into the story of Thomas Cole, an artist who arrived in America during a period of rapid transformation. Discover how Cole's concern for the preservation of the land was reflected in his artwork, and how the industrialization of the landscape was intertwined with the erasure of history. Join historians Heather Brugel, Renee Barry, Devin Lander, and Betsy Jacks as they reveal the creation and evolution of New York in the early 19th century.

Part FOUR | REFRAMING AN EMPIRE

Between the Wars 

Explore Thomas Cole's art in the context of a rapidly changing America, from industrialization to religious revivalism. Dive deep into the rich history of 1800-1848, as we uncover the role of landscape art in shaping the nation's identity, highlighting the complex relationship between economic success and the oppression of marginalized populations. Learn how the Hudson River School and artists like Cole captured America's triumphs and struggles, ultimately creating a nostalgic vision of the past and present.

Part FIVE | REFRAMING AN EMPIRE

Revisiting America's Past 

In this episode of Reframing and Empire we look at reframing our narratives around historic spaces and images. Discussing with Betsy Jacks, Nancy Seigel, and Heather Bruegl why it is important to still value works that speak of a particular version of America's past and simultaneously recognizing that this work needs to be seen through the lens of history.

Part SIX | REFRAMING AN EMPIRE

Land of the "Free"

Reframing an Empire Ep 6 strives to expand the understanding of humanity and the impact of slavery on the economy, the land, and the culture in New York. While the Catskills were considered to be in a “Free” state during most of the Thomas Cole was living there the nation, the state, and the legislations were struggling with the transition.

Part SEVEN | REFRAMING AN EMPIRE

This Land is Your Land

Thomas Cole occasionally painted indigenous people into his pieces and wrote about them in his writings. In this episode we learn what the experience was for the indigenous tribes of what is now New York state in the 1800's. 

Part EIGHT | REFRAMING AN EMPIRE

She Paints

While the fraternity of the Hudson River School made its mark on history it's time that we recognize and remember the Mothers of the American Landscape movement. At the turn of the 19th century, many young women were gathering artistic instruction, especially in the art of landscape studies. 

Part NINE | REFRAMING AN EMPIRE

Contemporary Artists Spotlight

For decades audiences have been familiarized with the fathers of the Hudson River School and their landscape Art. Now the Thomas Cole National Historic Site is looking forward with a show of contemporary practices entitled “Women Reframe American Landscape”

Part TEN | REFRAMING AN EMPIRE

Un-freezing Time

Reframing an Empire has reflected on historic interpretation and representation throughout this series. We check in with historians and curators on why it is important to take into account a critical lens and students of our history.