English-born Thomas Cole is best known as the pioneer of American landscape painting, in particular, sublime wilderness scenes. His work also expresses regret at the utilitarian attitudes to the earth that result in its desecration. The Course of Empire series could be interpreted as a ‘pioneering study in the Anthropocene’. Contemporary artists such as Eliasson and Gormley also interrogate humanity’s use and misuse of the earth. Are there implications for contemporary Christians working in the arts?
