The sketch of manners originated in Colombia under the influence of the Spaniards Larra and Mesonero Romanos, whose works were well known there by 1840. 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 sketch of manners originated in Colombia under the influence of the Spaniards Larra and Mesonero Romanos, whose works were well known there by 1840. 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.