Por Redaccion 
The Diputación de Málaga awarded the title of favorite son of the province to the painter Antonio Montiel, one of «the most beloved, respected, and awarded artists in Spain».
Born in Antequera, his work stands out because, beyond mastering the art of portraiture, he has the gift of capturing the essence of people, making them unique and characteristic.
The president of the provincial institution, Francisco Salado, stated that Montiel possesses all the qualities to receive this distinction, through which his artistic work and his relationship are reinforced with the province of Málaga.
The Mayor of Málaga, Francisco de Torre; Delegate of the Andalusian government in Málaga, Patricia Navarro; and the historian Elías de Mateo, responsible for overseeing the honorary figure. The musical show was led by Aurora Guirado.
Montiel expressed «great emotion» at being recognized as the favorite son of the province of Málaga «after many years of struggle, carrying Málaga through the flag». «I left Málaga to succeed in Málaga,» he said.
After working as a teacher, in 1992 he was chosen to represent Spain at the Americas Art Festival, held in Washington. He then developed his artistic activity for two years in Mexico, a country where he also gained great recognition for his work. His work also took him to Madrid, although he never forgot his roots.
«In life, you must be very clear about where you want to go, but most importantly, know where you come from,» said Salado, referring to the painter’s constant involvement in the social and cultural life of the province, earning numerous accolades.
Indeed, he was a champion of the Malaga Fair, the Malaga of the 21st century, or the pure onion; Four streets in different municipalities of the Costa del Sol are named after him, and he holds the titles of favorite son of Antequera, adopted son of Almogía, and illustrious son of Concepción de Villanueva.
Among his countless works are portraits of personalities such as Queen Sofía, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, or King Felipe VI, who commissioned him to create his first official portrait after ascending to the throne.
Additionally, artists and figures like Rocío Jurado, Norma Duval, Lola Flores, Curro Romero, Fidel Castro, the Duchess of Alba, Chiquito de Calzada, and Betty Missiego have stood before his easel.
His contribution to sacred art is equally indisputable, with a multitude of paintings of extraordinary quality, such as the poster for Holy Week in Malaga in 2006.
They call him the «painter of souls». This is because in his portraits, the physical characteristics of these people are not only detailed but also their personality,» said the President of the Diputación.
His love for painting began early, due to the interest he showed from childhood in analyzing faces and, in particular, his muse, also known as «Marisol» from Malaga, Pepa Flores. «It has been raining since those years,» said Salado, who added that, nonetheless, Antonio Montiel remains «the same restless, curious, respectful, and affectionate person; a person who becomes loved and whom we all want to have around.»
The Municipal Heritage Museum of Malaga recently organized a major retrospective exhibition of his work with great success in visits, reaffirming the province’s love once again.
Pablo Ruiz Picasso, Diana Navarro, José Moreno Villa, Manuel Altolaguirre, Antonio Banderas, María Zambrano, Rafael Pérez Estrada, Gregorio Sánchez ‘Chiquito de Calzada’, and Bernardo de Gálvez are some of the individuals who have been distinguished by the Diputación de Málaga with this title.