The painter Rafaello Saanzio da Urbino (Raphael) spent his early life studying beneath the Umbrial school leader, Perugino. Eventually, the young artist would leave the province of Umbria, settling in Florence during the height of notoriety of two other creative geniuses: Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Despite Rafael’s disadvantage of being some thirty years behind the other masters in age (and thus experience), Rafael would go on to find great success due in part to his peaceful nature and tremendous work ethic.

“Portrait with a Friend” (1518).

Rafael is predominantly known and admired for his balanced composition and the exquisite beauty of the figures he brings to life. He masterfully emphasized the emotional intensity in the dramatic scenes he painted, as seen in “The Deposition” (1507). Rafaello’s boyish charm is perhaps his most compelling attribute, though, which is on full display with a playful piece like the mysterious “Girl With Unicorn.” Further, “La Fornarina,” a portrait that Rafael painted of a lover at the time, is said to be one of the most sexually charged paintings in all of history. A surprising credit to the name of a man who mainly worked on commissions for The Vatican later in life.

“The Deposition” (1507).

Rafael may have come shortly after better-known masters, Da Vinci and Michelangelo, but he achieved notoriety for his work in his time and remains one of the greatest painters that ever lived.

“St. Michael Vanquishing Satan” (1518).
“Young Woman With Unicorn” (1506).
“La Fornarina” (1519).