Navigate to Homepage
Search
Main navigation
  

        
              Explore the Capitol Campus
                          Art
                            Buildings & Grounds
                            Capitol Hill Facts
                            Visitor Resources
                            Our Blog
                            What We Do
                          Areas of Expertise
                            Programs & Ceremonies
                            Projects
                            Publications
                            Strategic Objectives
                            About Us
                          Who We Are
                            History of the AOC
                            News & Notices
                            Organizational Structure
                            Partnerships & Recognition
                            Work With UsSearch Breadcrumb
    HomeExplore the Capitol CampusOur Blog
Capitol Discovery

It's been more than 500 years since Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue. See how his 15th century journey was depicted by 19th century artists in art throughout the U.S. Capitol, including frescoes by Brumidi, a sandstone relief and the bronze the Columbus Doors by Randolph Rogers.
By erin courtney |October 7, 2016
        
                  Image
    Mural of people.

It's been more than 500 years since Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue in search of a direct water route from Europe to Asia. He never did discover that passage, but he did stumble upon the Americas and kicked off centuries of exploration, and exploitation, of the western hemisphere. Columbus' legacy is mixed. He was daring and adventurous, but Columbus' exploration also led to devastating consequences for the native populations he encountered and charges of cruelty.

Today, we can see how Columbus' 15th century journey was later depicted by 19th century artists. Constantino Brumidi, renowned Capitol artist, painted three frescos of Columbus between 1859 and 1878: *Christopher Columbus – Discovery*, *Columbus and the Indian Maiden* and *Landing of Columbus*(cover photo).

The Recall of Columbus by Augustus Heaton captures a significant moment in Columbus' life.

*The Recall of Columbus by Augustus Heaton captures a significant moment in Columbus' life.*

In June of 1836, Congress commissioned John Vanderlyn to paint *Landing of Columbus*, an oil-on-canvas depicting Columbus and members of his crew on a beach in the West Indies in October 12, 1492. A sandstone relief of Columbus is also in the Rotunda and can be seen on the west wall. In 1884, the Joint Committee on the Library purchased *The Recall of Columbus* by Augustus Heaton. This artwork can be seen in the East Corridor of the Senate Wing of the Capitol. It portrays the moment a messenger informs Columbus of Queen Isabella's pledge of support for his exploration after earlier dismissing him from the royal court.

Randolph Rogers' Columbus doors are located on the east entrance to the Rotunda.

*Randolph Rogers' Columbus doors are located on the east entrance to the Rotunda.*

One of the more fascinating pieces of Columbus art in the Capitol is the *Columbus Doors* by Randolph Rogers. Installed in 1863, the doors include details of the life of Columbus. The left valve of the door depicts Columbus before the Council of Salamanca, his departure from the Convent of La Rabida, at the Court of Ferdinand and Isabella, and his departure from Spain. In the tympanum (between the arch and the top of the door), Rogers carves *Landing of Columbus in the New World*. While the right valve includes images from Columbus' first encounter with Indians and his triumphant return to Spain after his first voyage. In 1500, Columbus was arrested and returned to Spain on charges of mismanagement of Hispaniola and was stripped of his governorship. Five years later, on May 20, Columbus died. These moments in Columbus' life are immortalized in the bottom two panels, *Columbus in Chains* and *Death of Columbus*.

This month, set sail on your own discovery of the artwork of the Capitol campus. Schedule a tour of the U.S. Capitol, explore Capitol art through our website or visit a local library to read about the collections that are a part of this historical building.
Add new comment
    Your name
Email Address
        The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
Comment
About text formats
Plain text
  
  
      
          No HTML tags allowed.
                      Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
                      Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
          
    
      Recent Stories
Related Articles
            
          History & Discoveries

  Evolution of Women in Art at the U.S. Capitol

An in-depth look at the evolution of women in art at the U.S. Capitol.
    History & Discoveries

  Capitol Illumination

Learn more about the history of lighting this iconic building including the part of the Dome called the "tholos."
    History & Discoveries

  Artfully Yours, George Washington

While George Washington never actually graced the halls of the U.S. Capitol, his presence, influence and even his likeness, is everywhere including 35 pieces of art.
    History & Discoveries

  Unearthing Capitol Hill's Buried History

Visit Congressional Cemetery and discover the many connections the Architect of the Capitol has to this hallowed ground.
    
                      More Stories Serve. Preserve. Inspire.

              Contact Us
                            Accountability
                            Hill Staff Resources
                            AOC Staff Resources
Utility
  

        
              Privacy Policy
                            Image Terms of Use
                            Inspector General
                            U.S. Botanic Garden
                            U.S. Capitol Visitor CenterFacebook
	Twitter
	Flickr
	YouTube
	Instagram
	Subscribe