As the Half Moon approached New York harbor, Hudson and his crew had encounters with several Native Americans who approached in canoes to trade their goods. At the head of the harbor they would have seen the green “island of hills” known as Manna-hatta by the Indians, who had lived there for many generations. Within a few years, the Dutch attempted to purchase the island from the Indians to establish a trading post and later the colony of New Amsterdam at the tip of the island. At the time however, owning land was a concept that was unknown to the Indians who believed that they were only leasing rights to use the land.

The painting depicts Hudson’s ship after it entered New York Harbor on September 12, 1609. Looking North towards Manhattan is a silhouette of the future city skyline looming above, including the newly completed Freedom Tower where the World Trade Center once stood.

View No. 1;The Half Moon in New York Harbor

Watercolor on Linen / 14“ X 20”