This study traces the development of the sketch of manners (cuadro de costumbres), 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 El Mosaico literary group and their predecessors who also wrote in the costumbrista style.