The Voyage of Life

A couple years ago I took an American Art History course and came across this set of paintings by Thomas Cole. The real paintings are located right in the National Gallery of Art in DC so I was lucky enough to see them in person.

Whenever I have friends come to visit me in DC I take them to the room where these 4 paintings are displayed. The room is shaped like a diamond, is painted dark blue with hardwood floors and high ceilings and each wall has one of the paintings. I could live in that room.

"The Voyage of Life" by thomas Cole
Click on the picture to enlarge.

"The Voyage of Life: Childhood"

":Youth"
(boy is seemingly sent off in search of big dreams with big imaginations- castle in the sky- while the waters appear to be smooth)

"Manhood"
(Where did the sun go? Man turns to "God" in search for answers. Notice what lingers in top left corner)

"Old Age"

The end can be interpreted in many ways. I'm pretty sure Cole was Christian but either way, I'm buddhist and I still am in love with the paintings. The angels aren't limiting to represent "heaven" but it could simply represent a higher power, whether it be within yourself or not, that guides you through the rough times in life.

These last 2 posts have been miserable. But I have my reasons.