Columbus Discovers the Shores of America

The discovery of America by Columbus on 11 October 1492 was a popular subject with European history painting in the first half of the 19th century. Ruben began his painting of the hero of modern times in 1840 in Munich, before going to Rome. However, he only finished his picture after six years in Prague - when exhibited, the painting attracted considerable attention of art critics and became very popular. It was repeatedly imitated, several times graphically reproduced and even the city council of Philadelphia in the USA commissioned a copy.