You're on the Voyage of Life
How Do You Want to Travel?
Background: Thomas Cole's background in the Hudson River School led him to depict nature with romanticism. Look at the idyllic world envisioned by the youth as the temple in the sky. The distant future beckons with glory. Notice however that the guardian angel has now stepped out on the shore. Is the youth alone, set loose into unseen perils? The river (of life) is still tranquil and welcoming.
Reflection: What do you make of the angel getting out of the boat? What does this portend? Is the youth now left alone? I have often wondered as I gaze on the actual painting about the contrast of the dream in the heavens that beckons while the guardian angel leaves him to his own devices. What are our dreams and do we feel alone to pursue them?
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