José Rodeiro THE LANDING OF DESOTO in TAMPA BAY, oil-on-wood, 24’ x 4,’ 1980 (Property of the City of Tampa).

This mural first hung in the entrance to Centro Espanol Hospital, West Tampa (Florida) where it was dedicated by the late-HRH Prince Alfonso de Borbon, Duke of Cadiz. Officiating at the dedication ceremony were the artist’s parents Dr. and Mrs. J. A. Rodeiro [(adjacent to the Prince)]. In 1990, the mural was purchased by the City of Tampa for the entrance to City Hall Annex (Mayor’s Office). In the 21st Century, the mural was moved to the Tampa Convention Center at the entry to Harbour Island, Tampa, Florida, where the work currently hangs over the entrance to the main Exhibition Hall (on the 2nd floor). The mural depicts the 1539 arrival of 1200 Spaniards, Cubans, and Arawaks led by Hernando DeSoto. This cohort explored most of the southeastern region of what would be the United States, “discovering” the Mississippi River, and bringing to North America the first horses, dogs, pigs and chickens. Only, 200 survivors lived to tell the tale; and in 1542, DeSoto also passed away; his remains were deposited into the Mississippi River. (Photograph by José Martinez).