Karl Cole

Karl Cole, Davis Art Images’s curator of images, is an art historian and teacher who has spent more than 25 years working directly with world-class art museums. He’s also a practicing studio artist who specializes in landscapes and still lifes in oil, featuring vivid colors and expressive shapes.

Karl was curator of Chicago’s Rosenthal Art Slides for fifteen years, and after Davis Publications purchased Rosenthal in 1996, Karl continued his work as curator for Davis. All of us at Davis appreciate Karl’s great gifts: we learn something new from him every time we ask about a particular artwork, artist, or style. This blog offers our valued Davis community that same opportunity.

Most Recent Articles By Karl Cole

May 1, 2026 Curator's Corner

International Workers' Day (May Day): Art by Diego Rivera (1886-1957 Mexico)

1 May (May Day) is International Workers’ Day: Art Diego Rivera (1886-1957 Mexico) Diego Rivera, Detroit Industry, south wall, Production of Automobile Exterior and F...

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Apr 30, 2026 Curator's Corner

Artist Birthday: William Bradford (1823-1892 US)

Artist Birthday for 30 April: William Bradford (1823-1892 US) William Bradford, View in Sandwich Bay (Coast of Labrador), ca. 1861-1867, oil on canvas, 45.7 x 76.2 cm ...

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Apr 29, 2026 Curator's Corner

Artist Birthday: Jonas Lie (1880-1940 US, born Norway)

Artist Birthday for 29 April: Jonas Lie (1880-1940 US, born Norway) Jonas Lie, On the Job for Victory, 1916-1918, gouache-lithograph on paper, 73.7 x 96.5 cm  Image &c...

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Apr 28, 2026 Curator's Corner

Artist Birthday: Yves Klein (1928-1962 France)

Artist Birthday for 28 April: Yves Klein (1928-1962 France) Yves Klein, Untitled from the fire-color paintings, 1962, charred dry pigment in synthetic resin with metal...

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Apr 27, 2026 Curator's Corner

A Barber's Bowl Bouquet for Spring

A Barber's Bowl Bouquet for Spring Japan, Barber’s Bowl, 1700s, Imari ware porcelain, width: 26.7 cm (10 1/2”)  © 2026 Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA...

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Apr 24, 2026 Curator's Corner

Artist Birthday: Willem de Kooning (1904-1997 US, born Netherlands)

Artist Birthday for 24 April: Willem de Kooning (1904-1997 US, born Netherlands) Willem de Kooning, Tree in Naples, 1960, oil on canvas, 204 x 178 cm  The Museum of Mo...

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View all articles by Karl Cole

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