Raphael

Raphael (born Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino) was an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance, active in the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

Raphael (born Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino) was an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance, active in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. He is widely regarded as one of the major masters of Renaissance art, known for works such as his Madonnas and the frescoes in the Vatican. He was born in Urbino in 1483 and died in Rome in 1520 at age 37.

Early life and training

Raphael was born in Urbino in 1483 and was the son of Giovanni Santi, a court painter. He trained as an artist in central Italy before emerging as an independent master in the early 1500s.

Career in Florence and Rome

After working in central Italy and Florence, Raphael moved to Rome, where he produced many of his most famous works. In Rome he became one of the city’s most sought-after artists and received major papal commissions.

Artistic style and influence

Raphael’s art is noted for its graceful figures, balanced compositions, and idealised forms. His style became a model for later academic painting and remained influential long after his death.

Architectural and other work

In addition to painting, Raphael worked as an architect and produced designs for tapestry, prints, sculpture, stage settings, and other applied arts. His range made him one of the most versatile artists of the Renaissance.