1-153-095 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Amerigo Vespucci (1471-1512), Italian-born Spanish explorer. Vespucci observing the constellation of the Southern Cross. During his voyages, Vespucci explored much of the eastern coast of South America. He believed that he was exploring a new unknown continent, in contrast to Columbus who thought he had reached the far east of Asia. America is named from the Latinised form of his name. The inset portrait on the left of the image is that of the poet Dante Alighieri (1265-1321), who mentioned the Southern Cross in 'Purgatory' in his 'Divine Comedy'.