Murals by the Hudson River landscape artist Thomas Cole have been discovered hidden under layers of wall paint in his former home, now a historic site in the village of Catskill in Greene County.
Matthew Mosca, an expert in paint finishes, found the decorative friezes recently in two rooms of Cole’s home. They are believed to have been painted around 1836 and covered by common wall paint around 1900. Evidence exists to support the authenticity of the paintings, which were unknown until efforts were made recently to restore the rooms to their original color.
The Thomas Cole National Historic site has applied for a National Endowment for the Humanities grant for $460,000 and an Institute of Museum and Library Services grant for $150,000 to uncover and restore the works. Senator Charles E. Schumer’s office said on Tuesday that he plans to urge the two agencies to approve the grants.