Columbus & Roderigo Sanchez
October 12 is Columbus Day… a day named for the Italian explorer traveling under the Spanish flag when he “discovered” America. What is not so well-known is that his patrons also hired an accountant to accompany Columbus.
Roderigo Sanchez of Segovia became the first accountant in America. He was comptroller of the fleet and keeper of the armaments. Roderigo was engaged by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella to travel with Columbus to keep track of the riches and wealth that was to be found by him in Asia (the Indies).
In the painting included, he appears third from Columbus’ right wearing the big hat. Columbus is shown with his sword touching the ground. This detail is from the painting by John Vanderlyn that hangs in the United States Capitol rotunda.
Roderigo was the subject of the second Accountant Series Topps Trading Card published by the WS+B Partners’ Network and a card will be sent, along with the first card showing Luca Pacioli, if you email a request with your postal mailing address to [email protected].
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