Who painted Lowlands?

Lowlands was painted by Timothy Cole in 1918.

Where can I see Lowlands?

Lowlands is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Can I buy a print of Lowlands?

Museum-quality prints of Lowlands are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Lowlands by Timothy Cole (1918) — Meaning, Museum & Prints

About this work

A closer look reveals the artist's use of chiaroscuro, a technique that employs strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of depth and volume.

In the painting, a serene landscape unfolds, with a low-lying area in the foreground and a few trees in the distance. The sky above is filled with clouds, and the overall atmosphere is one of calmness.

A closer look reveals the artist's use of chiaroscuro, a technique that employs strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of depth and volume. This technique adds a sense of dimensionality to the painting, drawing the viewer's eye into the scene.

The Cleveland Museum of Art holds this piece, offering a glimpse into the artistic styles of the early 20th century.

Overview

Timothy Cole’s 1918 print titled Lowlands presents a tranquil scene of a gently rolling plain punctuated by distant trees beneath a cloud‑filled sky. The composition invites quiet contemplation, emphasizing the expansive, subdued atmosphere of the landscape. The work is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection, offering a representative example of Cole’s early‑20th‑century printmaking.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a low‑lying terrain that stretches across the foreground, with a modest cluster of trees placed on the horizon. The muted sky, heavy with clouds, reinforces a sense of calm and stillness, suggesting an unspoiled natural environment that encourages the viewer to linger in the quiet of the open field.

Technique & Style

Cole employs chiaroscuro within the print, creating pronounced contrasts between illuminated and shadowed areas. This manipulation of light and dark generates a convincing illusion of depth, giving the flat surface a three‑dimensional quality. The delicate line work and tonal gradations reflect the artist’s mastery of the wood‑engraving process popular in his era.

History & Provenance

Created in 1918, Lowlands was produced during a period when Cole was prolific in translating paintings into prints. The piece entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings, where it remains accessible to the public. Its presence in the museum’s collection illustrates the institution’s commitment to preserving early twentieth‑century American printmaking.