Columbus’ Farewell before Starting on his Voyage from Port Palos in Spain (1892)

This stunning maritime painting by the eminent Russian-Armenian artist Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky is not only a testament to his mastery over seascapes but also offers a vivid portrayal of a historic moment. The artwork, titled "Columbus’ Farewell before Starting on his Voyage from Port Palos in Spain," captures the early morning of August 3, 1492, as Christopher Columbus embarks on a journey that would lead to the discovery of the Americas.The painting is drenched in a sublime mixture of morning glow and mist, giving it an ethereal and almost dreamlike quality. Aivazovsky's use of light masterfully highlights the emotional gravity of the moment. The rising sun on the horizon bathes the scene in warm hues, signifying the dawn of a new era brought forth by this ambitious expedition.In the foreground, Columbus is seen aboard a small boat being rowed out to the Santa Maria, the largest of the three ships used for the voyage. He is surrounded by solemn faces, the figures portrayed in meticulous detail, which underscores the mixed emotions of fear, hope, and determination. Spectators, some clustered in groups, others standing alone, line the shore, their postures and expressions adding to the painting’s emotional depth with a palpable air of farewell.To the right, the glistening sea mirrors the fiery oranges and cool blues of the sky, while the ships float quietly, waiting to set sail into the vast unknown.