Mark Schuler: Francesco Antonio Pigafetta

Artist: Mark Schuler
1951 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1980
Image Size: 9 by 11 inches
Overall Size: 15 by 17 inches
Medium: Mixed Media on Hot Press Illustration Board

In the fifteenth century most people regarded the ocean as a vast unknown. Many felt that man-eating monsters, giant snakes, and human-like fish awaited the traveler who ventured out to sea past eye's view of land. Worse yet, many were convinced that the earth was flat and to travel to sea meant a certain and terrifying death of falling off the world's edge. But, despite man's fears of the sea, the lust for trade with the East would not be sated. And, brave men like Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Magellan lay their lives on the line to put these early fears to rest. In 1519 Ferdinand Magellan set sail for the Spice Islands by sailing West. Among his brave crew was the Italian Francesco Antonio Pigafetta. Of all the voyages of the early explorers, the legendary voyage of Magellan lives on through the well-kept records of Pigafetta. Moment by breathtaking moment, as Magellan's ships made their way first to South America's coast, then through the terrifying Strait of Magellan and on into the placid waters of the Pacific, Pigafetta dutifully recorded each event. He wrote of hunger, illness, determination and fear. And, when Magellan died at the hands of tribesmen, Pigafetta noted that fate as well. In 1521, when the crew reached Spain only seventeen men and one ship remained intact. Among those seventeen survivors was Pigafetta. He presented his detailed account to King Charles who published it, forever immortalizing the historic first voyage around the world.

This artwork was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the Italy Europa stamp featured in the 1980 Portraits of Greatness collection.

Artwork Copyright © 1980 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB06568

US$ Price: $950.00

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