Tom McNeely (Canadian, B. 1935) "Columbus' Ship Approaching Land" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 29c Columbus Voyage; Approaching Land issued April 24, 1992. By the 5th century B.C., Greek astronomers and mathematicians realized the earth was spherical in shape. Several centuries later, a mathematician named Eratosthenes calculated a surprisingly accurate circumference of the earth, but his discoveries were overshadowed by Ptolemy, an Egyptian mathematician of the 2nd century B.C. whose observations of astronomy and geography guided scientific thought until the 16th century. Experienced mariners such as Columbus followed Ptolemy's dictums, but his ancient miscalculations of the earth's circumference made land masses appear much closer by sea than they actually were. Despite some popular legends, few sailors of Columbus's day believed the world was flat. When mutinous rumblings echoed below the decks of his ships, Columbus knew it was not fear of falling off the edge of the world that roused his crews' ire -- it was fear of the wind. The caravels, built to sail into the wind, had never before carried sailors so far from home. Could these sturdy ships carry them safely back to Spain against strong easterly winds? With rousing cries of "Adelante!", Columbus allayed their fears and assured them that land would soon be sighted. Events proved him right, for the Journal of the First Voyage dated October 12 recorded: "At two hours after midnight appeared the land, at a distance of two leagues." Convinced they had reached the rich Indies, Columbus and his men waited to see what manner of land sunrise brought to light. Image Size: 23.25 x 21.25 in. Overall Size: 24 x 21.25 in. Unframed. (B13740)