Columbus is standing in the bow of his ship, which is near the shore. He is clad in a long mantle and undercoat, while his armor lies at his feet, and his standard is floating from the foremast.
Behind him is Minerva, carrying a spear and a shield with the head of Medusa in the center, presenting a laurel branch to Columbus.
Behind the goddess is Mars in full armor, standing on the back of a turtle for a chariot, and drawn by three lions. Near him, are two Sirens, whilst at the head of the vessel, are a Mermaid and a Triton acting as pilots.
In the far distance, is a flock of Harpies, typifying the sinister influences with which the Genoese had to contend. In the East is the rising sun and the territory which he had just discovered.
The image is based upon a 1592 engraving by Jan van der Straet, also known as Joannes [or Johannes] Stradanus, who created a series of four prints under the title America refection, celebrating the discovery of the new world.
The image was also re-issued in 1592 to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Columbus' discovery of the New World.
Finally re-issued by de Bry in 'America', 4th Part, 1594, where the figures are now shown in reverse.
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Les Grand Voyages" by Theodore De Bry [+]