But, in truth, though some such inquiry was set on foot, he never received the formal honors of beatification.
***** We have one account by a contemporary of the appearance of Columbus.( *) We are told that he was a "robust man, quite tall, of florid complexion, with a long face." (*) In the first Decade of Peter Martyr.
In the next generation, Oviedo says Columbus was "of good aspect, and above the middle stature.

His limbs were strong, his eyes quick, and all the parts of his body well proportioned.

His hair was decidedly reddish, and the complexion of his face quite florid and marked with spots of red." Bishop Las Casas knew the admiral personally, and describes him in these terms: "He was above the middle stature, his face was long and striking, his nose was aquiline, his eyes clear blue, his complexion light, tending towards a distinct florid expression, his beard and hair blonde in his youth, but they were blanched at an early age by care." Las Casas says in another place, "he was rude in bearing, and careless as to his language.

He was, however, gracious when he chose to be, but he was angry when he was annoyed." Mr.Harrisse, who has collected these particulars from the different writers, says that this physical type may be frequently met now in the city and neighborhood of Genoa.

He adds, "as for the portraits, whether painted, engraved, or in sculpture, which appear in collections, in private places, or as prints, there is not one which is authentic.