About this sheet
Christopher Columbus Battle in Hispaniola, Antique Engraving, Dublin c.1815
Description
This original early nineteenth-century engraving depicts Christopher Columbus and his forces engaged in battle against the indigenous inhabitants of Hispaniola during the early years of Spanish colonization in the Caribbean. Published in Dublin by J. Christie of 17 Ross Lane and engraved by Patrick Maguire, whose signature appears as "Maguire Sculp.", the print was issued as an illustration for The World Displayed, or, A Collection of Voyages and Travels, one of the period's popular historical and geographical publications.
The dramatic composition shows Spanish infantry, cavalry, and attack dogs advancing against a larger indigenous force. Beneath the image appears the inscription: "Columbus with 200 Foot 20 Horse and 20 Wolf Dogs assisted by a body of the Islanders defeats 100 000 Indians." This caption reflects the highly romanticized and exaggerated accounts commonly found in eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century histories of exploration and conquest.
The scene is generally associated with the Battle of Vega Real in 1495, fought during Columbus's second voyage to the Americas. Historical records confirm that Spanish forces employed cavalry and trained war dogs against the Taíno population of Hispaniola, although modern scholarship regards the enormous numbers cited in contemporary accounts as colonial exaggeration rather than historical fact.
As both a historical illustration and a document of how exploration history was interpreted in the early nineteenth century, this engraving offers fascinating insight into European perceptions of Columbus and the Spanish conquest of the Caribbean. The print appeals to collectors of exploration history, Americana, Caribbean history, Irish printing, and early nineteenth-century book illustrations.
Keywords: Christopher Columbus, Hispaniola, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Taíno, Battle of Vega Real, Caribbean history, West Indies, Spanish conquest, Age of Discovery, exploration engraving, Patrick Maguire, Dublin, J. Christie, Ross Lane, colonial America, indigenous history, voyages and travels, historical print, Americana.
Special note: This is an original antique engraving, not a reproduction. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The print is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be on scale with the original.
Condition Report
Light age toning throughout. Minor scattered foxing and handling wear. Small loss at the lower right margin and occasional marginal imperfections consistent with age. Strong impression with generous margins.
Framing Tips
This engraving displays particularly well in a dark walnut, ebonized, or black frame with an ivory museum mat. Its historical subject matter makes it ideal for libraries, studies, Americana collections, and exploration-themed interiors.
Technique: Engraving
Maker: Patrick Maguire, Dublin, circa 1814–1815
