Raphael is one of the most famous and important Renaissance artists. Painter and architect, he was apprentice of celebrated Umbrian master Perugino, whose style he used to imitate. He was a very active painter who left many artworks that are displayed in several international museums such as the Louvre Museum in Paris.
His works are characterized by a unique style, combining a perfect balance between space and figures, and particular and bright colors.
His Life
Raffaello Sanzio, better known as Raphael, was born in Urbino on the Good Friday night in 1483. He studies at his father's workshop, who is a painter for the Grand Duke. After his father's death he goes to Perugia working as apprentice for the renowned Umbrian master Perugino.
In 1504 he goes to Florence, where are working Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. He works in Florence till 1508 when he is invited to Rome by Pope Julius II. Here he starts a career as architect, building some palaces and working at the Basilica of St. Peter.
Raphael dies in 1520 in Rome on the Good Friday at the young age of 37 years.
His works
Raphael has been an extremely appreciated artist by his contemporaries. He produced many artworks that are internationally celebrated. Most of his works are displayed in international museums, such as the Louvre Museum in Paris, the Metropolitan Museum in New York, as well as the Vatican Museums and the Uffizi Gallery in Italy.
Raphael worked in Florence between 1504 and 1508. Here he painted his most beautiful Madonna and some famous portraits, displayed in Florentine museums.
In the Palatine Gallery at Pitti Palace are displayed the stunning portraits of Agnolo Doni and Maddalena Doni and the Portrait of Tommaso Inghirami. There are also displayed the Madonna of the Grand Duke, characterized by the red dress and the light blue cloak, and the famous Madonna della Seggiola characterized by a gentle and unusual tenderness.
At the Uffizi Gallery are displayed the gorgeous Madonna of the Goldfinch, the Portrait of Pope Leone X and the Portraits of the Grand Dukes of Urbino, Elisabetta Gonzaga and Guidobaldo da Montefeltro.
Other significant works by Raphael are the Marriage of the Virgin at the Pinacoteca Brera in Milan, la Fornarina (Portrait of a Young woman, who seemed to be his model-lover), the frescoes at the Vatican Museums such as the Transfiguration and the School of Athens.
