This is a 1912 marble of Christopher Columbus by Lorado Z. Taft in front of Union Station (Massachusetts and 1st, NE). Cristobal Colon, as he is known to the Spanish, is a controversial figure in America today, but there is no denying the momentous nature of his enterprise. Washington, DC - the District of Columbia, is partially named after him. To my eyes, this is a particularly American depiction of the great explorer: he seems to strike the pose of a wise Native American chief contemplating the sun ... In front of him, on the prow of a ship, glides one of the many winged muses that can be found throughout the city. I call this photo, shot in December 1999: "Cristobal Colon"

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36.

In this picture a more melancholy facet of the Columbus fountain emerges. And behind the explorer we can see the real Indian - crouched as if in fear or anger or awe or sadness. I call this photo, shot in November 1999: "Cristobal Colon - 2"

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First posted: 12/22/99 #35 & 10/30/2001 #36