Raphael Sanzio

Raphael Sanzio

Raphael Sanzio, born Raffaello Santi or Sanzio in 1483 in Urbino, Italy, was a highly influential Italian High Renaissance painter and architect. He is celebrated for his masterful and harmonious compositions, his idealized depictions of the human form, and his ability to convey complex narratives and emotions through his art. Raphael's early training under his father, Giovanni Santi, and the Umbrian master Pietro Perugino laid the foundation for his distinctive style, which seamlessly blended the grace and elegance of Perugino's work with the dynamism and naturalism of his contemporaries, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Throughout his short but prolific career, Raphael created numerous iconic works, including the frescoes in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, such as The School of Athens and The Parnassus, which showcase his mastery of perspective, composition, and classical ideals. His Madonnas, such as the Sistine Madonna and The Alba Madonna, are renowned for their tender, maternal grace and serene beauty. Raphael's portraits, like Portrait of Baldassare Castiglione and La Velata, demonstrate his ability to capture the essence and character of his subjects with remarkable sensitivity. Beyond his painting, Raphael also made significant contributions to architecture, designing notable buildings like the Palazzo Pandolfini in Florence and the Villa Madama in Rome. His influence extended far beyond his lifetime, as his work served as a model of perfection for generations of artists, making him one of the most important figures in the history of Western art.

Italian Renaissance, Madonnas, Vatican frescoes, Portrait painting

— Helen James