Paleoartist Mauricio Anton exhibits scientific reconstructions at San Telmo museum

The San Telmo museum in San Sebastián, Spain, is hosting an exhibition of works by paleoartist Mauricio Anton.

The display features reconstructions of prehistoric life, showcasing how the artist combines paleontological data with artistic imagination to visualize extinct species. Miren Akordagoitia Murua, a representative for the museum's education department, explains that Anton follows a specific process to ensure accuracy. He begins by identifying the skeletal structure of an animal and comparing it to digital models of known species.

From there, he adds muscle, skin, and fur to complete the animal. He also places these creatures in specific environments to provide context for their prehistoric habitats. The artist uses small clay sculptures to study how light hits different volumes before he begins his final drawings. While he previously worked with oil paints, he now uses digital tools to create layered images.

This shift allows him to modify landscapes more easily when paleontologists provide new information about the flora of a specific era. Anton describes his work as a balance between strict adherence to scientific data and the creative process of illustration.