Christophorus Columbus Ligur terroribus Oceani superatis, 1592
Jan Van der Straet
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Discovery of ‘America’ by Christopher Columbus
From “Americae Retectio”: ‘Christopher Columbus, a native of Liguria, overcame the dangers of the ocean and added the territories he discovered of an almost new world to the realm of the Spanish kings.’
Circa 1592 engraving “Christophorus Columbus Ligur…”, by Adriaen Collaert (1560-1618) after Stradanus. Antwerp. Very Good, light creasing and trim at lower left corner. Probably second stage print (of tree) One Print from ‘Americae Retectio’, with early and ephemeral depictions of New World exploration and of 16th-century technology.
America Retectio is a so-called “picture atlas,” issued in leaflet form to commemorate the first centenary of the discovery of the New World. The four engravings comprise the allegorical title-page and the successive approaches to America of Amerigo Vespucci, Christopher Columbus, and Ferdinand Magellan, each surrounded by sea-nymphs, monsters and other wonders. Christopher Columbus stands on board a ship surrounded by mythological sea nymphs and sea gods with Neptune or Poseidon being drawn by hippocampi (or seahorses) in the background. Decorative elements include sea monsters, whales, fish, anchors, banner with crucifix, a dove holding a cross, bow and arrows, and a banner with Columbus' coat of arms.