commemorative plaque to José Caballero

The commemorative plaque to José Caballero stands in Madrid, at Avenida de América 2, in the Salamanca district. It honors the painter José Caballero, one of the notable figures of twentieth-century Spanish avant-garde art, who lived and worked in this building for nearly four decades.

Who was José Caballero?

José Caballero was born in 1915 in Huelva, in Andalusia. He is counted among the representatives of Spanish surrealism and "lyric figuration," a current that blended abstract elements with references to nature and emotion, alongside echoes of cubism in parts of his work. He died in Madrid in 1991, after decades of activity as a painter, stage designer, and illustrator.

Why is the plaque located here?

The inscription on the plaque states that José Caballero lived in this house on Avenida de América from 1952 until 1991, the year of his death. It was here that he produced a substantial part of his artistic output — paintings, graphic works, and design projects that cemented his standing in the Spanish art world of the second half of the twentieth century. The plaque was unveiled in 1998 on the initiative of Madrid City Council, as part of the municipal program marking homes and locations connected to notable residents of the capital.

What should visitors know about his work?

Caballero began his career in the 1930s, a period when the Spanish avant-garde was developing rapidly through contact with European surrealism. He collaborated with writers and poets of his generation, designed sets for theatre productions, and produced book illustrations. His painting is marked by a combination of organic forms, symbolism, and a freer approach to color, setting him apart from the more literal, geometric surrealism practiced by some of his contemporaries.

How to get to the plaque?

The plaque is mounted on the façade of a residential building at Avenida de América 2, in an easily accessible part of the Salamanca district, close to the Avenida de América metro station, served by several of Madrid's metro lines. The location connects well with other points of interest in this part of the city, making it easy to combine a short stop at the plaque with a longer walk through the surrounding streets.

Frequently asked questions

Who was José Caballero? José Caballero (1915–1991) was a Spanish painter born in Huelva, associated with surrealism and lyric figuration. He spent a significant part of his artistic career in Madrid.

Why is the plaque located at Avenida de América 2? Because the artist lived in this building from 1952 until 1991 and created most of his work there. Madrid City Council unveiled the plaque in 1998 to commemorate this part of his biography.

Can the plaque be visited freely? Yes, the plaque is mounted on the building's exterior façade in a publicly accessible spot, so it can be viewed at any time, free of charge and without booking in advance.

Are there other art-related sites nearby? The Salamanca district and the area around Avenida de América form part of Madrid rich in galleries, cafés, and cultural spots, making it easy to combine a visit to the plaque with other nearby attractions.