David Roberts, R.A. (Edinburgh 1796-1864 London)

This view of the interior of the church of San Miguel in Jerez (Xerex) was made on the spot by Roberts, 29 April 1833. In a letter of 4 May 1833 from Seville to his friend David Ramsay Hay (National Library of Scotland), Roberts wrote that he 'stopt some days' in Jerez, 'having letters to some Scottish friends from whom I received much kindness. It is like most of the other Towns of Andalusia of Moorish origin if not Roman...Some of the Churches, the Alcazar & City walls are the most proment [sic - prominent]. After viewing their immense cellars and tasting Sherrys in perfection I took my leave...'.

Another watercolour of this study circa 1836 (Private collection) was used for lithography by Thomas Shotter Boys and publication in 'Picturesque Sketches in Spain', 1837, plate 4.

We are grateful to Krystyna Matyjaszkiewicz for her help in preparing this catalogue entry.