January 18 Guided tour of the Rafael Tegeo art exhibition in Caravaca

The neo-classical portrait painter Rafael Tegeo was born in Caravaca de la Cruz 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.

This exhibition can be visited at the former church of the Compañía de Jesús until February 4 but in addition there is this guided tour on January 18 at 11.30, beginning at the tourist office (Calle de las Monjas, 19). The maximum permitted group size is 20 people and prior bookings are required online here.