Raphael was born on April 6, 1483, in Urbino, Duchy of Urbino (Italy). Raphael was a talented master painter and architect of the Italian High Renaissance era. In Raphael’s early life, he became influenced by artists in Rome and Florence, but Urbino’s where he began to study art and became a prodigy at 17. In 1495, Raphael took an apprenticeship in Perugia to learn more about painting; by the year 1500, he became deemed a master. Later on, Raphael participated in Pietro Perugino’s workshop to acquire more professional knowledge for his artwork. Pietro Perugino’s “The Giving of the Keys to St. Peter” inspired Raphael’s first major art piece, “The Marriage of the Virgin” (1504). Because of Perugino’s skill of emphasizing perspective and the relationships between figures and the architecture, this clearly showed influence on Raphael’s work. Later on, Raphael moved to Florence from (1504-1507), and this was where he began to paint the “Madonnas.” In Florence, Raphael idolized the artworks of Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Fra Bartolommeo; he studied their techniques to apply to his art pieces. In Rome (1509-1511), Raphael went on to paint the Stanza della Segnatura (“Room of the Signatura”) frescoes in the Palace of the Vatican (and painted in the Stanza d’Eliodoro right after). Raphael’s art career was thriving and was known as a man of a sweet temper which got him lots of customers. Raphael also was hired by Pope Julius II as his chief architect in 1514. In 1514, Raphael finally finished his “Madonnas” series, but unfortunately, six years later, Raphael passed away in 1520 from a fever.

My opinion on Raphael is that he is an art prodigy and was famous in history for his effortless, emotional, and precise-looking artwork. He was a sweet guy and was adored by Popes.

Sources used : https://www.biography.com/artist/raphael

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Raphael-Italian-painter-and-architect/Move-to-Florence