Wikipedia:Featured picture candidates/Discovery of the Mississippi

 
Original - 'Discovery of the Mississippi was the last painting to be commissioned by Congress for the United States Capitol rotunda. William H. Powell was given the commission in 1847 and the painting was purchased in 1855. At the center of the canvas, is Spanish navigator and conquistador Hernando de Soto riding a white horse.The painting depicts de Soto and his troops approaching Native Americans in front of tepees, with a chief holding a peace pipe. The foreground is filled by weapons and soldiers to represent the devastating battle at Mauvila (or Mabila), in which de Soto suffered a Pyrrhic victory over Choctaws under Tuscaloosa. To the right, a monk prays as a crucifix is set in the ground.
Reason
A very good painting of a historical event.
Articles this image appears in
United States Capitol rotunda
Creator
William Henry Powell, 1847

Not promoted MER-C 11:24, 2 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]