Amerigo Vespucci (1471-1512), Italian-born Spanish explorer. Artist: Unknown

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Amerigo Vespucci (1471-1512), Italian-born Spanish explorer. Vespucci observing the constellation of the Southern Cross. During his voyages, Vespucci explored much of the eastern coast of South America. He believed that he was exploring a new unknown continent, in contrast to Columbus who thought he had reached the far east of Asia. America is named from the Latinised form of his name. The inset portrait on the left of the image is that of the poet Dante Alighieri (1265-1321), who mentioned the Southern Cross in 'Purgatory' in his 'Divine Comedy'.

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Size: 3793px × 2756px
Location:
Photo credit: © Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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