How did paintings such as thomas cole's "the voyage of life: childhood" reflect rising american nationalism in the 19th century? 1. by demonstrating that american artists could compete with their european counterparts. 2. by focusing on feelings and emotions rather than celebrating rationality and reason.

Thomas Cole's "The Voyage of Life: Childhood" reflect rising American nationalism in the 19th century by focusing on feelings and emotions rather than celebrating rationality and reason. The painting represents four of life stages: childhood, youth, manhood and old age in which the vogaer is riding a boat guided by a guardian angel.