The Hudson River School painter Thomas Cole (1801–48) began his early exploration of the natural world during his carefree childhood in Lancashire, England. The great painter’s love and observation of nature began in a small town known as Chorely, where the Cole family made their home. However, according to biographer Louis Legrand Noble, Cole was not alone.
“Another favorite pastime was to go with his youngest sister, Sarah, through the surrounding country, in search of the picturesque, for which he had already a remarkable love. When weariness, or the allurement of some pleasant spot, invited them to stop, they would fill up the time with song and melody–she singing, and he accompanying with his flute.” Sarah Cole (1805–57), along with biographer Noble were lifelong friends with Thomas. It should come as no surprise that Sarah became an accomplished painter as well.
