Christopher Columbus, the Genose-born explorer. He was the first historically important European discoverer of the American continent. His original aim had been to reach India by sailing westwards. His for voyages of 1492–1493, 1493–1496, 1498–1500 and 1502–1504 opened the way for European exploration, exploitation, and colonisation of the Americas. Columbus is shown wearing a hat and a long, fur-collared coat. A medallion, bearing an image of Queen Isabella, hangs around his neck. With his right hand, he shields his eyes from the sun and gazes into the distance. In his left hand he holds a half-unrolled scroll, possibly a map. His left foot rests on the shank of a ship's anchor, the rest of which is located behind him.