Columbus and Vespucci, discoverers of America, Stradanus, circa 1589

Plate from americae rectetio (c. 1589), the discovery of america. On the left is the portrait of the florentine explorer amerigo vespucci (let hand side, the warrior on tortoise holds the shield of florence; holder of globe is "flora"). On the right is the portrait of genoese explorer christopher columbus (warrior holds the shield of genoa, and holder of globe is "janus"). Lower part shows western coastline of italy, with the cities of florence and genoa depicted. Date: circa 1589. Medium: etching print. Collection: British Museum.