The Early Cuadro de costumbres in Colombia

This study traces the development of the sketch of manners (<i>cuadro de costumbres</i>) beginning in 1838 until the end of the century. Although the Colombian sketch is not in general distinguished artistically its scope and variety of subject produce a richly detailed picture of the life people and institutions of mid-century Colombia. The author shows the influence of the Spaniards Larra and Mesonero Romanos and discusses authors of <i>El Mosaico</i> literary group and their predecessors who also wrote in the <i>costumbrista</i> style.