Christopher Columbus

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.

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Christopher Columbus

Artifact ID1984.02162.01

Object Type Sculpture

Gifter Frank J. Battaglia

Maker Mauro Bigarani (Italian, born 1940)

Date October 8, 1984

Medium Stone (marble), Wood, Metal

Dimensions27 1/2 × 13 × 13 in. (69.9 × 33 × 33 cm)

Physical DescriptionA marble sculpture of Christopher Columbus standing on a ship's deck with his right hand on a globe supported by a hexagonal column, his left hand clutching a rolled paper against his chest. Behind his feet is an anchor and coils of rope. The sculpture sits atop a four-tiered wooden base attached to the base in a black metal plaque that is engraved "Presented To The President Of The United States RONALD REAGAN by the ITALIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY OF MARYLAND OCTOBER 8TH, 1984."Historical NoteThe sculpture was given to President Reagan during a visit to Baltimore, MD October 8, 1984, when the life-sized version of this statue was unveiled. In his remarks at the dedication, President Reagan said, "When Columbus discovered America, he set in force a motion mightier than the world had ever known. People came here from every corner of the planet to be free and to improve their lot and that of their family. Well, we got off course a few years ago, but now we've set the good ship Columbia back sailing in the right direction. And I thank you for letting me be here to help you honor the man who started it all, Christopher Columbus."Additional Details

Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.

National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and

National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 6816363)

Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly

Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.

In Collection(s)

Gifts from the General Public