Landing of Columbus
John Vanderlyn · 1847
Why it's great
Columbus steps ashore in the New World, with the Spanish flag, as sailors kneel and Native people watch from the forest. John Vanderlyn painted this huge scene for the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Today, many people see the story of Columbus in a different light. It's a famous American history painting.
🏛️ Part of history
Columbus & the Age of Discovery (1492–1600) — Columbus steps ashore in the Caribbean in 1492, planting the Spanish flag. Painted 350 years later, it shows how Americans imagined the moment.
Where to see it
📍 Location not recordedWe couldn't confirm where it hangs today. Museums sometimes move or lend paintings, so check the museum's website before you travel.
Hang it on your wall
Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
John Vanderlyn was born in Kingston, New York, and studied art in Paris. He was one of the first American painters to be trained in Europe, and painted large panoramas and history pictures. He painted 'Landing of Columbus' for the U.S. Capitol. He died in Kingston in 1852.
