RAPHAEL

MARCH 28, 1483 - APRIL 6, 1520

Raphael, born Raffaello Sanzio in Urbino, Italy, was one of the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance. He grew up in an artistic environment, as his father was a painter at the court of the Duke of Urbino. After his father’s early death, Raphael trained under the respected artist Perugino, where he developed a clear, balanced style and a strong sense of harmony that would define his later work. In his early twenties, Raphael moved to Florence, where he studied the works of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Their influence helped him refine his approach to composition, anatomy, and expression. By 1508, Raphael was invited to Rome by Pope Julius II, marking the most important period of his career. There, he painted the famous frescoes in the Vatican, including The School of Athens, which celebrates classical knowledge and Renaissance ideals. Raphael was admired not only for his technical skill but also for his gentle personality and ability to collaborate with others. His art is known for its grace, clarity, and idealized beauty. Tragically, Raphael died at the age of 37, yet his influence on Western art remains profound and enduring.