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The ships of Columbus showed the development of technology during the age of exploration. These ships (Santa María, La Nina, and La Pinta) were all caravels and carracks. These types of ships had an increased load capacity (due to the fact that they had larger hulls) and had an exponential speed increase (due to the implementation of the lateen sail). This made them perfect for exploring the new world. They were essentially necessary for long distance sea voyages because of their increased efficiency and capacity.

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The silver mined from the mines of Potosi, these symbolized an exponential increase in wealth for Europeans because they were able to gain these valuable materials for trading with nations such as China. Their strategy was to import these rather than exporting them because they would be able to increase their power - known as mercantilism. The silver mined from Potosi was also made into a certain way in this image because it is another way that the Europeans flaunted their power and wealth. In other words, they showed power through extravagant designs in jewelry.

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This is a portrait of Christopher Columbus painted by Sebastiano del Piombo

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Portrait of a Man, Said to be Christopher Columbus

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Portrait of a Man, Said to be Christopher Columbus

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As a whole, the artifact itself isn't necessarily what is significant, but rather the person who was painted: Christopher Columbus. As a Spanish explorer, Columbus led the way for widespread European expansion across territories such as the Americas. His expeditions also initiated the Columbian Exchange, in which the Old World and New World exchanged diseases, crops, and more leading to global impacts on trade, culture, and populations.

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This Renaissance invention helped explorers navigate the seas. 

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The magnetic compass was a revolutionary invention at its time, mainly because of how much utility it had for a mariner. Without this, it is likely that many would have never been able to reach their planed destinations, making this item indispensable for a voyage. Additionally, it enabled long-distance sea voyages which were essential for exploration, trade, and colonization. All of these factors helped expand European influence across the world.

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An image depicting the Columbian Exchange found in, "Il costume antico et moderno".

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The Columbian Exchange had various effects on everyone, ranging from the Old World to the New World. When Columbus originally came to the New World, he brought along with him disease and livestock. When interacting with the indigenous people, many of them contracted smallpox and influenza, leading to the death of millions of people. On the other hand, Columbus also brought new food and animals such as horses, allowing for a better diet and also a better means of transportation. On top of this, this exchange of resources had a major impact on the Old World's economy, as foods such as tobacco, corn, and potatoes were introduced, boosting trading and food supplies.