Almería Painting and Sculpture

In Almería, Juan de Orcea is responsible for the low reliefs of the façade of the Cathedral and for the choir stalls there too. This man worked in the 16th century and was one of the master masons of the Alhambra. The worn wood of the stalls hosts low reliefs of the Apostles, Prophets, and Saints of classic design and purist elements. The museum in Almería has two examples of the Good Shepherd from the 5th and 6th centuries; they are paleochristian sculptures from Gádor, of rather roughly shaped marble from late Roman times, testimony of the beginnings of Christianity in Andalusia.

Historical Sculptures

• Cathedral of Almería
  The Cathedral of Almería, with its fortress-like structure, features the works of Juan de Orcea, including the low reliefs on the façade and the intricate choir stalls. (Map)
• Good Shepherd Sculptures
  The museum in Almería houses two examples of the Good Shepherd from the 5th and 6th centuries, paleochristian sculptures from Gádor. (Map)

Prehistoric Art

The Los Letreros cave in Vélez Blanco is enormously interesting. The former was the first Andalusian cave to be studied, and it was initially thought that its representations were a system of archaic hieroglyphic writing. This idea was later abandoned when other caves were found to have an abundance of parallel bitriangular symbols, typical of diagrammatic Andalusian art. The Almería area is related both to the caves of Sierra Morena and Alto Guadalquivir, and to the shelters of the Penibética range.

• Cueva de Los Letreros
  Located in Vélez Blanco, this cave contains prehistoric paintings that date back to around 5,000 BC. It was declared a National Historic Monument in 1924 and a World Heritage site by UNESCO. (Map)

Modern Art

Almería is also home to a vibrant modern art scene, with several galleries and museums showcasing contemporary works.

• Museo de Arte de Almería
  This museum is divided into two locations: the old palatial house of Doña Pakyta and the modern Espacio 2. The former displays art from 1870 to 1970, while the latter focuses on contemporary art from the 1980s to the present. (Map)
• Galería de Arte Trino Tortosa
  A gallery featuring a wide range of contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. (Map)
• MECA Mediterráneo Centro Artístico
  A centre dedicated to contemporary art and new trends, hosting various exhibitions and events. (Map)
• Arte21
  A gallery that offers a variety of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, engravings, and mirrors. (Map)

Notable Artists

Almería has been home to many notable artists who have contributed significantly to the region's artistic heritage.

• Juan de Orcea
  A master mason of the Alhambra, known for his work on the Cathedral of Almería.
• Carlos Pérez Siquier
  A renowned photographer whose works are displayed in the Museo de Arte de Almería.
• Ginés Parra
  An influential painter whose works are also featured in the Museo de Arte de Almería.

Almería's rich artistic heritage, spanning from prehistoric cave paintings to contemporary art, offers a fascinating journey through time. Whether you're exploring ancient caves or modern galleries, the region's art scene is sure to captivate and inspire.

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