The Oxbow by Thomas Cole (USA — 1836) — Questions and answers

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What does Thomas Cole want his painting, 'The Oxbow,' to remind people of?

Choices

  1. How much he loves art.
  2. The beauty and fragility of the land. ✓
  3. His journey to Italy.
  4. The size of the canvas.

Answer: The beauty and fragility of the land.

From page 1

Who gives young Thomas Cole advice about sketching and understanding nature?

Choices

  1. A famous poet.
  2. His art teacher.
  3. Asher B. Durand. ✓
  4. William Cullen Bryant.

Answer: Asher B. Durand.

From page 2

What does Cole call the Catskill wilderness when he stands atop the mountain?

Choices

  1. A giant playground.
  2. A boring place to sketch.
  3. The raw, untamed heart of America. ✓
  4. A quiet forest for resting.

Answer: The raw, untamed heart of America.

From page 3

While painting in Italy, what does Cole realize about the American wilderness?

Choices

  1. It is less beautiful than Italy.
  2. It is a land of history and light.
  3. It holds a different kind of beauty, untamed and pure. ✓
  4. He prefers painting ancient ruins.

Answer: It holds a different kind of beauty, untamed and pure.

From page 4

Who does Thomas Cole walk through the forest with to discuss preserving the wilderness?

Choices

  1. His brother.
  2. Asher B. Durand.
  3. William Cullen Bryant. ✓
  4. A museum curator.

Answer: William Cullen Bryant.

From page 5

What challenge is Thomas Cole struggling with as he sketches?

Choices

  1. He can't find a good pencil.
  2. He wants to paint European landscapes.
  3. He is trying to find his own unique style for American art. ✓
  4. He can't remember Asher's advice.

Answer: He is trying to find his own unique style for American art.

From page 6

What important idea does Cole realize when he sees the Oxbow of the Connecticut River?

Choices

  1. That he should go back to Italy.
  2. The power of contrast between wilderness and civilization. ✓
  3. That he needs more paint.
  4. That he prefers cultivated land over wild land.

Answer: The power of contrast between wilderness and civilization.

From page 7

What does Cole hope his finished painting, 'The Oxbow,' will serve as a reminder of?

Choices

  1. His favorite colors.
  2. The beauty and responsibility of shaping the land. ✓
  3. How long it took to paint.
  4. His travels to Rome.

Answer: The beauty and responsibility of shaping the land.

From page 8

According to Theo, what do the landscapes in paintings like 'The Oxbow' hold a mirror to?

Choices

  1. The museum walls.
  2. The artist's paintbrushes.
  3. Our souls. ✓
  4. Old maps.

Answer: Our souls.

From page 9

According to Theo, what did Thomas Cole show us through his art?

Choices

  1. How to mix colors.
  2. How to see the beauty, and the cost. ✓
  3. How to build a museum.
  4. How to travel the world.

Answer: How to see the beauty, and the cost.

From page 10