The image by theodor de bry depicts christopher columbus’s landing on hispaniola in 1492. the main purpose of columbus’s first transatlantic voyage was to

verify recent scientific theories regarding the size and shape of the earth.
transport catholic missionaries to india for charitable work.
test new navigational and cartographic tools to be used in future expeditions.
to expedite trade by finding and charting alternative methods of transport to asia.

The correct answer is - to expedite trade by finding and charting alternative methods of transport to Asia.

The Ottomans made a large empire, and they managed to gain control of the trade routes between Europe and Asia, demanding high taxes for both sides if they wanted to use their territory for trade. The Europeans did not fancy this, so they sponsored an expedition, one of many to come, so that a new sea route is found for Asia, thus trading through it freely. Columbus was the main explorer of one of those missions. He went westwards with the ships he had at disposal, hoping that he will come to the eastern coast of Asia. He indeed came to some islands, and later a mainland, and all excited about it he called the natives Indians, as he actually thought it is India that he reached. Little did he knew that he actually discovered new continents.

the government closely monitored its finances to avoid another financial collapse.