Columbus legt zijn plan voor aan de Portugese koning 1790

This engraving by Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki depicts Columbus presenting his plan to the King of Portugal. Made in the late 18th century, the print reflects the Enlightenment's fascination with exploration, while also subtly participating in the narratives of colonialism. Notice how Columbus is portrayed, confident and almost pleading, laying out his vision, while the king sits in judgment. The image raises questions about the power dynamics at play. Who gets to write history? Whose stories are told, and from what perspective? The inscription on the print is in German and French, speaking to the circulation of these ideas across Europe. The second print shows Columbus captured, a reminder of the complex and often brutal consequences of exploration and conquest for both colonizer and the colonized. Ultimately, this work encourages us to reflect on the legacy of Columbus, and to consider the narratives of progress and discovery, and their profound impact on the world we inhabit today.