The artist arrived in Seville in May 1833 and stayed until September, when an outbreak of cholera caused him to leave. Roberts worked very hard. His visit coincided with the feast of Corpus Christi, which is celebrated with particular magnificence in Seville. He executed two large oils of the Cathedral, one an interior with the ceremonies before the High Altar, the other a view of the Giralda from the north (now at Downside Abbey). This watercolour is a view from the west. The tower was a favourite subject for Roberts, and other later versions are known, including one of 1835 engraved by J. Redway for The Landscape Annual, 1836 (see H. Guiterman and B. Llewellyn, David Roberts, London, 1986, p. 111, no. 105).

We are grateful to Briony Llewellyn for her help in preparing this catalogue entry.