Sketches and Drawings of the Alhambra. London 1835

These Sketches and Drawings of the Alhambra in London are by John Frederick Lewis, who lived from 1805 to 1876. Lewis’s orientalist paintings were celebrated for their realism and exoticism, reflecting British society's fascination with the "Orient" during the height of the British Empire. These sketches, made on location, offered an intimate glimpse into a world that, for many, was accessible only through the lens of colonial power. Here, the artist appears to use cultural stereotypes of the Indigenous population for illustrative purposes. In this sketch, Lewis isn’t just capturing a physical space; he’s framing a narrative about identity, class, and the gaze of the colonizer. The way he positions the local figures against the backdrop of the Alhambra raises questions about who has the power to represent whom. Does this drawing preserve a cultural heritage or exploit it? Ultimately, the drawing offers an opportunity to reflect on our relationship with the past and the ways in which art both shapes and is shaped by the socio-political landscape.