Description
This magnificent 19th century coloured lithograph depicts one of the most momentous moments in history: Christopher Columbus’ encounter with the indigenous peoples of America after the discovery of the New World.
After 35 days of sailing filled with uncertainty and hope, the night of 11-12 October 1492 brought the first sight of dry land. On board the ships, the crew waited impatiently for dawn to break, anxious to see the land they had longed for and, at many points, feared they would never find.
As the sun lit up the horizon, the sailors were overcome with awe and excitement. With tears in their eyes, they knelt on the sand and said prayers of gratitude for the success of their voyage. Meanwhile, the local inhabitants, surprised by the arrival of the Spaniards, watched them with curiosity and caution. As the hours passed, the first exchange took place: the Indians offered food and other goods in exchange for beads and objects brought from across the ocean.
This lithograph, with its wealth of detail and colour, immortalises the moment when two worlds met for the first time, marking the beginning of a new era. A must-have for collectors and history buffs alike.
This post is also available in: Spanish
