November 27 to February 4 El Siglo de Tegeo art exhibition in Caravaca de la Cruz

The neo-classical portrait painter Rafael Tegeo was born in Caravaca in 1798

Rafael Tegeo Díaz was a prominent neo-classical painter, known mainly for his portraits, in the first half of the 19^th century, having been born in Caravaca de la Cruz in 1798 before studying in Murcia and then in Madrid.

In 1824 he travelled to study in Rome with Pietro Benvenuti and received the influence of Raphael and Guido Reni before being named an "Academician" in 1828 after producing “Hercules and Antaeus”.

Although he initially focussed on mythology and historical scenes such as the Siege of Málaga (see above), he achieved most success as a portrait artist, and his last important exhibition was at the Universal Exposition in 1855 before he died the following year.

The street in Caravaca where he was born has now been named after him.

The exhibition “El Siglo de Tegeo” can be visited at the former church of the Compañía de Jesús until February 4 during the following opening hours:

Tuesday to Saturday 10.00 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.00

Sundays and public holidays (except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day) 10.00 to 14.00

Admission is free of charge and guided tours are offered at 12.30 and 17.30 (contact Info@guiasmur.com / 616 717888).

For more local information, including the Holy Jubilee Year as well as local news and what’s on, go to the home page of Caravaca Today.