David Roberts — The Giralda of Seville — Colored lithograph — 19th century

Elegant colored lithograph after David Roberts (1796–1864), depicting one of the most iconic views of Seville: the Giralda rising above the city's ancient urban fabric.

The composition is based on the drawings made by Roberts during his journey through Spain in 1832–1833 and was subsequently disseminated as part of his famous series of Spanish views. The architectural precision of the tower contrasts with the animation of the streets, balconies, and small figures occupying the foreground.

David Roberts was one of the fundamental figures of British Romanticism and one of the artists who contributed most to spreading the image of monumental 19th-century Spain internationally.

This view of the Giralda combines topographical interest and romantic sensibility, featuring meticulous drawing and selective coloring in blues, greens, ochres, and reddish tones.

Technical Data Sheet

• Artist: David Roberts (1796–1864), after original drawing
• Title: The Tower of the Giralda, Seville
• Lithographer: William Gauci
• Technique: Colored lithograph
• Dimensions: 30 × 21 cm
• Period: 19th century
• Original publication of the composition: London, 1837
• Style: Romanticism / Architectural landscape
• Subject: Seville / The Giralda
• Presentation: Trimmed print mounted on support
• Provenance: Private collection
• Condition: Good general condition consistent with its age, with signs of the passage of time visible in the photographs

Studio Note

An attractive image of 19th-century Romantic Seville, where the monumentality of the Giralda is enhanced by the narrow urban perspective and the small figures in the foreground. The coloring adds special vibrancy without detracting from the detailed lithographic work.