Christopher Columbus on His Ship c. 1595

Editor: This is Adriaen Collaert's "Christopher Columbus on His Ship," a small print from the late 16th or early 17th century, held at the Harvard Art Museums. It's busy, almost chaotic with all the figures. How does the image function as a representation of Columbus in this period? Curator: It's fascinating, isn't it? Collaert presents Columbus amidst mythological figures, Neptune and mermaids, which served to legitimize Columbus's explorations within a classical framework. The image isn't just about discovery; it's about power, justifying Spain's claim to new territories by linking it to divine approval and ancient narratives. Editor: So, the classical imagery bolsters the political message? Curator: Precisely. By embedding Columbus within a mythological context, the print elevates his status and reinforces the idea of European dominance, influencing the perception of exploration. What do you make of the inscription at the bottom? Editor: It seems to praise Columbus as a terror of the Ocean, adding regions to the Spanish Kingdom. It's interesting how the image combines classical, religious, and political claims in representing Columbus. Thanks, I've learned a lot.