Drawing, Study for a Painting, The Landing of Columbus in America, Sala del Minor Consiglio, Palazzo Ducale, Genoa, Italy, 1715–18, 1715–18

Composition shows the figure of columbus and his retinue landing in the new world. Columbus, standing at left between a monk with a crucifux and a soldier with a banner, raises his head and arms in prayer. Other men cluster around him or beach long boats at right; masts of two ships are shown in left distance. Groups of naked indians flee in terror or kneel before the invaders. At center, above rock, is allegorical figure of faith with cross, host and chalice, borne up by angels. Date: 1715–18. Dimensions: 10 1/4 x 21 5/16 in. (26 x 54.1 cm). Medium: black chalk, brush and gray wash, laid paper, pen and brown ink. Collection: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.