Christopher Columbus 1795 - 1849

This small, intricate drawing by Jean-Baptiste Dedéban, a 19th-century French artist, depicts Christopher Columbus in an oval frame, surrounded by nautical and symbolic objects. The central portrait is detailed, showcasing Columbus's stern expression and the elaborate clothing of the period. A sextant, a compass, a globe, a scroll, and a classical column frame the portrait, emphasizing the explorer’s accomplishments and the grandeur of the age of discovery. This meticulous work, held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a glimpse into the romanticized view of Christopher Columbus prevalent in the 19th century.