This painting of Columbus depicts the hero familiar to most Americans.  Columbus is handsome and stately as he pleads before his Queen for the mission in which he will make the unplanned discovery of the "New World."  Notice how he stands with light flowing on him from a high window, as if from God. He extends his hands as if bearing his future discoveries as a gift to Spain.  Queen Isabella holds her hands to her heart, as if she is accepting his gift and will cherish and keep it under her care.  She is the only person really concentrating on him, showing how no one else supported him in his revolutionary endeavor.  Standing in between them is a globe, a representaion of the mission, and the spread of civilization and God to the world.  This is a common romantic depiction of Columbus when viewed as national patriot.  However, one must keep in mind that this is only one pictorial, as well as mental image of Columbus.