Mundus Novus

When explorer Amerigo Vespucci came to the American continent, there were only three continents thought to make up the known world: Europe, Asia and Africa. He named this land “Mundus Novus,” Latin for “New World.” The words in the wheel are from the manuscript of this name written by Amerigo Vespucci to describe his voyage and discoveries, inspiring many Europeans to also make the costly and dangerous voyage across the ocean to plunder the resources, land and people of the New World.

This painting was inspired by some of the 16th century engravings of artist Theodore de Bry who illustrated lurid scenes of indigenous Brazilians eating Europeans as a form of power consumption.

European discovery of the “New World” led to collisions of cultures and environments, with the effects of murder, greed and destruction becoming the through line narrative for dozens of future generations.

Mundus Novus (New World) is 18″ x 24″ x 2″ oil on wood, (sold)