"The Three Ships"
Guayasamín represents three European ships, a reference to the Niña, the Pinta and the Santa Maria, from the Columbus' first voyage to America in 1492. Guayasamín's image may also reference Renaissance representations of European naval might, as seen in decorative cartouches on maps produced in the early modern period. These great ships represent the maritime power that was central to imperialism and colonization. Deep blue waves, well-defined and dramatic, link this image to the Woman of the Sea. The red cross of the Spanish flag contrasts starkly with the deep blue and glowing orange of the tropical paradise. The sea voyage pictured here would change the world forever.
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