Tom McNeely (Canadian, B. 1935) "Columbus Coming Ashore" Signed lower right. Watercolor. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 29? Columbus Voyage; Coming Ashore issued April 24, 1992. "... they arrived at an island of the Bahamas that was called in the Indian tongue Guanahan?." An entry in the Journal of the First Voyage recorded Columbus's wondrous discovery of October 12, 1492. A veritable island paradise lay revealed in the sun's brilliant light, and the Italian mariner was eager to explore its lush interior. Accompanied by his two captains and other officials, Columbus marched ashore carrying the royal banner. Claiming the island for Spain's king and queen, Columbus renamed it San Salvador. Later journal entries maintained that the admiral "... never beheld so fair a thing: trees all along the river, beautiful and green, and ... many birds and little birds which sing very sweetly." Still convinced he had reached the Indies, Columbus called the local Arawak natives "indians," but he spent only three days exploring San Salvador before casting off to investigate what lay beyond the island. For nearly three months, the small fleet glided in and out of a dozen or more exotic ports, sailing coastlines from Cuba to Hispa?ola. On Christmas Eve, Columbus's sturdy flagship -- the Santa Maria shipwrecked during a gale on a reef off Haiti. But ever willing to take advantage of opportunity, Columbus ordered a fort built on the island and left 40 of his men to search for gold until his return. On January 16, 1493, the Ni?ia and Pinta triumphantly set sail for home. Image Size: 24.75 x 21.25 in. Overall Size: 24.75 x 21.25 in. Unframed. (B13757) See More