Tom McNeely (Canadian, B. 1935) "Columbus Seeking Queen Isabella's Support" Signed lower right. Original watercolor painting on Paper.
Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.
This painting is the original which was published on the Fleetwood Maximu Card for the U.S. 29c Columbus Voyage; Queen Isabella issued April 24, 1992.
Christopher Columbus believed that he was chosen by God to undertake a momentous mission which would take him beyond the boundaries of the known world. Born in Genoa, Italy, in 1451, Columbus dreamed of going to sea. He made his first voyage at age 19 or 20, and the sea became his life. In 1477 Columbus found himself in Lisbon, Portugal -- the European center of maritime exploration. Like Spain and Italy, Portugal sought a navigable route to the Indies, and its seamen followed the treacherous African coastline to find an easterly route. Columbus was convinced that the east could be reached by sailing directly west, but King John II of Portugal refused to invest in his far-reaching plan. In 1485 Columbus approached King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. The Queen, a woman of intelligence and courage, gave Columbus a royal stipend while experts studied his proposal. But seven years passed before Columbus heard from the Spanish court. Encouraged by the royal treasurer, Isabella agreed to support Columbus's voyage and agreed as well to grant his ambitious demands -- that he be named an admiral, a noble and governor of any lands discovered, and that he receive a percentage of any trades established with discovered territories.
Image Size: 16.5 x 21.25 in.
Overall Size: 17 x 21.75 in.
Unframed.
(B13783)
Condition
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