Raphael
Even in his lifetime, Raphael was regarded as the perfect painter: clear, harmonious and graceful – a model for generations of artists.
Life
Raffaello Sanzio was born in Urbino in 1483; his father was a court painter. He probably trained with Perugino, moved to Florence in 1504 and studied Leonardo and Michelangelo there. In 1508 Pope Julius II called him to Rome, where he decorated rooms in the Vatican, among them “The School of Athens”. He ran a large workshop, became architect of St Peter’s and cared for the ancient ruins of Rome. He died in 1520, aged only 37.
Style & technique
Raphael combined Leonardo’s soft modelling with clear order: balanced compositions, often triangular, calm gestures and gentle colours. His Madonnas seem human and idealised at the same time. In large wall paintings he arranged dozens of figures in deep, perspectival spaces with apparent ease.
Look closely
- The order: look for the triangle the figures form together.
- The faces: oval, even features with a calm gaze.
- The colours: clear blue, red and green in bright, even light.
Timeline
- 1483: Born in Urbino.
- 1504: Moves to Florence.
- 1508: Called to Rome; the Vatican rooms are painted.
- 1514: Appointed architect of St Peter’s.
- 1520: Dies in Rome.