The Landing of Columbus

John Vanderlyn, The Landing of Columbus, ca. 1840, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of I. Austin Kelly III, 1971.5
Copied John Vanderlyn, The Landing of Columbus, ca. 1840, oil on canvas, 27 3840 14 in. (69.5102.3 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of I. Austin Kelly III, 1971.5
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Artwork Details

Title
The Landing of Columbus
Date
ca. 1840
Dimensions
27 3840 14 in. (69.5102.3 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of I. Austin Kelly III
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure group
  • Waterscape — boat
  • Indian
  • Occupation — other — explorer
  • History — United States — discovery of United States
  • Portrait male — Columbus, Christopher
Object Number
1971.5

Artwork Description

This painting is an oil sketch for the Landing of Columbus in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol. Winning a commission from Congress meant a great deal to nineteenth-century artists because, as well as ensuring their reputation, it allowed them to play a part in shaping the nation's history. This painting shows the moment, on October 12, 1492, when Columbus and his men landed on the island of San Salvador and claimed all of the New World for Spain. John Vanderlyn spent a great deal of time working on this piece, and even traveled to the West Indies to make sure every detail of his painting was accurate. (Schoonmaker, John Vanderlyn, Artist, 1775-1852; A Biography, 1950)

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