Adolf Seel (German, 1829-1907)

Adolf Seel began his artistic education in 1844 at the Kunstakademie in Düsseldorf at the age of 15, during the height of the German Romantic movement. During his six years in Düsseldorf, Seel focused on landscape and architecture painting. During the 1860’s and 1870’s, Seel traveled extensively throughout Italy, Spain, Portugal, Northern Africa, and the Holy Land. While on these expeditions, Seel cultivated a deep appreciation for Moorish and Arabic art and architecture, particularly after visiting the palatial Alhambra palace in Granada. Seel’s paintings executed based on his travels are remarkable for their architectural accuracy and dramatic rendering of light effects. The present work, dated 1873, is a splendid example of Seel’s abilities as a colorist and draftsman.