Raphael

Artist Biography

Raphael was born Raphaello Sanzio in Urbino. His first painting lessons came from his father. It is said that he then trained with Perugino. His early art, prints and posters supports this theory reflecting the clarity and harmony which is prevalent in the work of Perugino. Later Raphael worked in Tuscany and Umbria where the work of Leonardo da Vinci, especially compositional devices, influenced his development. Pope Julius II summoned Raphael to Rome in 1508 where he was employed to complete the fresco decoration of a number of rooms in the Vatican. The best known of these works is The School of Athens, a majestic piece which glorify's the philosophers of antiquity. Plato and Aristotle are central, joined by Socrates, Euclid, Pythagoras and Epicurus. Doused in the characteristic serenity and harmony of his style, this piece clearly displays Raphael's maturity and technical skill.

After completing the second room, in 1514 Raphael was in such demand that assistants completed much of his work from then on. There are some exceptions however including portraits like that of Baldassare Castiglione (1514/15). This piece, above many, has been admired by artists since Raphael. Titian, it is believed, was deeply influenced after seeing this piece on display in the house of the subject. Cézanne was taken with "how well rounded the forehead is, with all the distinct planes, how well balanced the patches in the unity of the whole.” Rembrandt modeled one of his numerous self portrait art, prints and posters on the exact same pose after seeing the image at a sale in Amsterdam in 1639.

Francois I of France avidly collected art, prints and posters by Raphael which were subsequently put on display in public galleries. Thus the full force of the Italian Renaissance was felt in France more so than in any other surrounding European countries outside of Italy.

Raphael Art, Prints and Posters Collection