Malaga

Original antique view of Málaga, drawn by David Roberts and published in London in 1836. The image shows the Andalusian port city from the sea, with its white buildings stepping up the hillside, dominated by the alcazaba (fortress) and Gibralfaro castle at the summit. In the foreground appear typical Mediterranean vessels, with sails unfurled and fishermen at work. On the left the port is visible with its docks and warehouses, while on the right the coast extends eastward. The composition captures the characteristic Mediterranean light of the area. David Roberts was a Scottish painter and lithographer who travelled extensively through Spain, Portugal and the Middle East between 1832 and 1833, documenting cities and monuments. His Spanish views were published in “Picturesque Sketches in Spain” (1837). This view of Málaga forms part of that series, executed in lithography, a technique that faithfully reproduced the artist’s original drawings.