Seville 1850

Samuel Colman created this pencil on paper drawing entitled "Seville" in 1860. Seville, in the Andalusia region of Southern Spain, was a significant port city, linking Spain to its colonial interests in the Americas. Here, Colman captures the Guadalquivir River, which was central to Seville’s economic and political power. We see several boats, some with people aboard, set against the backdrop of the city. Colman's choice to depict Seville, a city steeped in history and cross-cultural exchange, reflects the 19th-century interest in places with rich and complex pasts. During this time, Spain was undergoing significant social and political changes. By focusing on the maritime activity and the city's architecture, Colman draws attention to Seville's role as a hub of trade and cultural exchange. To fully appreciate Colman's "Seville," we can explore 19th-century travelogues, historical accounts of Seville, and studies of American artists abroad. This helps us to understand the painting as both a personal artistic statement, and as part of a wider cultural dialogue.