Columbus 1867

Edmonia Lewis, an artist of African American and Native American heritage, made this marble sculpture of Columbus. Lewis navigated the complexities of her identity in a society grappling with racial and gender inequalities, her art became a profound expression of cultural dialogue. Here, Columbus stands tall, a symbol of European exploration, while at his feet, a Native American kneels, gazing upwards in supplication. The sculpture gives us pause to consider the narratives we construct around historical figures. Does the Native American figure represent submission, or is it a plea for understanding? Lewis, who once stated, "I was practically driven to Rome, in order to obtain the opportunities for art culture, and to find a social atmosphere where I was not constantly reminded of my color," invites us to contemplate whose stories are told and whose are marginalized. In this context, the emotional power of this work resides in its ability to provoke introspection on themes of power, identity, and historical representation.