Post 1 – Renaissance

RAPHAEL

also known as Raffaello Sanzio or Raffaello Santi

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Raphael (1483-1520) was a master painter of the Renaissance. Born in Duchy of Urbino, Italy, he was a master painter and architect. Raphael is well known for his “Madonnas,” (representations of the Virgin Mary), and intricate frescoes in the Vatican.

At eleven years old, Raphael took over the responsibility of managing his late father (Giovanni Santi)’s workshop and rapidly became known as one of the best painters in his area. This led to an apprenticeship (1500-1504) with master painter Perugino, during which Raphael developed his own distinct artistic style and developed his title of master painter. This style is present in his religious pieces Mond Crucifixion (1502), The Three Graces (1503) – among others.

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Following his apprenticeship, Raphael moved to Florence and became influenced by Fra Bartolommeo, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Masaccio. He admired the depth these artists achieved in their work; as a result, he developed an even more unique and detailed style.

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Raphael’s most notable works include the Raphael Rooms (commissioned 1508), the Sistine Madonna (1512), and Transfiguration (1516-20). He greatly influenced Italian painting, making him a leading artist of the Italian High Renaissance. His work is praised for its harmonious compositions and clarity of form.