The painting depicts the first landing of Columbus and his men on an expedition from Europe to China, Japan, and other potentially unknown lands.4 The landing of Christopher Columbus in what is now San Salvador is synonymous with the American idea that Christopher Columbus discovered the New World that we today call America. However, the painting shows natives looking out from behind trees, indicating that the land was already inhabited and that Columbus did not discover America but rather confiscated this new land from the natives already living there. The planting of the royal banner of Aragon and Castile signifies that Columbus claims the land for the Spanish people. Events that occurred during the painting of Columbus' landing include westward expansion and political conflicts. Mexico's defeat by America increased the size of the nation and the issue of slavery was still alive in America. Columbus looks upward as if to thank God for his safe journey. The painting successfully depicts the events that may have occurred at the time Columbus landed in San Salvador. The dark clouds perhaps symbolize the conflict that prevailed over Columbus's claim to the new land. The planting of his flag symbolizes Columbus' success in his