Alphaeus Philemon Cole: A Century and a Half of Vision Alphaeus Philemon Cole (1876-1988) stands as an extraordinary figure in the annals of American art – not merely for his remarkable longevity, which saw him become the world’s oldest verified living man at 112 years old, but also for the enduring quality and captivating charm of his work. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, to the renowned wood-engraver Timothy Cole, Alphaeus inherited a legacy of artistic skill and a deep appreciation for visual representation. His life spanned an era of immense social and technological change, witnessing e…