short biography

Raphael- son of the competent and influential painter Giovanni Santi, who was an intelligent and erudite father. Born on March 28 (according to some sources April 6), 1483.

His father’s skills and capabilities allowed young Rafael to receive an excellent upbringing. It seemed that progressive growth, famous patrons and monetary wealth were just a matter of time for him. The painter was blessed from the very beginning.

However, in 1491, the mother of Raphael, who was 8 years old at that time, dies. And the father passes away three years later.

First works

Before his death, Giovanni managed to place his son as an apprentice in the workshop of Pietro Perugino, who was a successful and sought-after master. By 1500, Raphael, at the age of seventeen, became a young master, emerging from a difficult financial situation, largely thanks to his self-portrait and his first commissioned works.

Although Raphael quickly “freed himself” from the style of his teacher, Perugino’s method of constructing paintings haunts him throughout his entire creative career.

Fame and recognition

Customers from the Umbrian cities provided a source of potential clients and high fees for the young artist. Already at an early age, the quality of the work left no doubt that the young talent would build a profitable career.

Love and death

Throughout his life, Santi did not manage to be married, however, as some sources report, he had mistresses and admirers, one of whom was Margarita Luti. The painter was also, most likely at the request of Cardinal de Medici, engaged to Maria Bibbien, his niece.

He was not a pioneer, he was not a seeker of new paths, one of those mysterious phenomena whose forces flow as if from unknown sources. No, he proceeded from what was already known and available. He adopts, forges, synthesizes, appropriates for himself the fruits of an entire generation.

Self-portrait

When you look at Raphael's self-portrait, you will undoubtedly feel the individuality of his style. This young man with an intelligent, handsome face, with a bare neck and long hair of an artist, with pure, gentle, girlish eyes, reminiscent of Perugino’s Madonnas, fully corresponds to the portrait of Raphael painted by Vasari: “When he appeared before his comrades, the latter’s ill-will disappeared, evaporated low thoughts. This happened because his tenderness, his beautiful soul defeated them.” Just as he never experienced anything sad, so is his art of sunny joy fulfilled. Even in those cases when he had to depict horror, violence, sharp dramatic moments, he was meek and soft, attractive and affectionate. Just as his portrait produces a typical rather than an individual impression, so he eliminates everything individual in his work, elevating it to the level of the typical. Just as he never quarreled with either his customers or his assistants, but, adapting himself, carried out and gave orders, so there is no dissonance in his art.

Raphael's work is dominated by the ability to perceive other people's thoughts. This explains the huge number of works he created during his short life. His style changes almost every year. The most sensitive of all artists who have ever existed, Raphael connects all the threads in his hands, transforming the values ​​​​created by other geniuses into a new unity of style. This eclecticism has the character of genius in him.

Raphael's youthful paintings are imbued with the sentimentality of the Umbrian school of his teacher Perugino. You begin to love them not only because they are distinguished by conscientious finishing, but also because they are the confession of a beautiful soul that puts a lot of tenderness into what is borrowed. Especially the landscape in the background is often charming, for example, in the “Madonna Conestabile”, where a stream quietly flows through the meadow, and the last spring snow glistens on the mountains.

Florentine period

Da Vinci's influence

In Florence, Raphael becomes the heir of Florentine art. He peers, studies, imitates, trying to absorb all the Florentine painting of the past. However, the master studies even more predecessors than his contemporaries. As Perugino used to do, so now Leonardo stands behind his Madonnas.

Under the influence of da Vinci, the language of shaping changes. Previously, the baby Jesus stood directly on his mother's lap, or sat on it, forming an acute angle. Later, Raphael prefers movement motifs that allow the creation of wavy lines.

Small Madonna of Cowper

The painter creates paintings by developing Vinci's pyramidal composition. These aspirations of Raphael are vividly illustrated by “Madonna among the Greens”, “Madonna with the Goldfinch” and “The Beautiful Gardener”. Not only the child Jesus with chubby cheeks, but the entire composition goes back to Leonardo here. Mary in the work “Madonna among the Greens” stretches her bare leg far to the left so that it completely corresponds to the leg of little John kneeling on the right. When looking at “The Beautiful Gardener,” the eye slides from the foot of the child Christ, along his beautifully curved figure, further towards the cloak and head of Mary, and then back along the wavy line formed by her billowing scarf and the foot of the kneeling little John. On the “Madonna with the Goldfinch” there are even two pyramids lined up, one above the other. The top of the bottom is formed by the hands of two children playing with a bird, and the top of the top is the head of Mary. The prayer book, which she keeps aside from her, adds variety to the strictly consistent pattern.

Best characterizes Raphael's writing style last piece of his Florentine period - "Entombment". Here he managed to combine Perugino, Mantegna, Fra Bartolomeo and even Michelangelo in one work. When starting to paint this picture, he was inspired by Perugino’s Pieta. Mantegna's engravings revealed to him techniques for conveying tragedy in the gestures and facial expressions of characters. He borrows the dead body of Christ from Michelangelo’s “Pieta,” and the woman sitting on the right, stretching her arms back over her head, from the same Michelangelo’s “Holy Family.” The influence of Fra Bartolomeo is reflected in the emphasis on the decorative rhythmic arrangement of figures - in the fact that ideological content topics are completely subordinated to formal considerations.

Entombment

At the end of it, the author was invited to Rome, at the age of twenty-four. Then the transformation begins, which significantly influenced the entire history of art.

His skill in composition, his decorative flair are now manifested on a grandiose scale. A piece of the solemn sublimity and stern grandeur of the Eternal City now penetrates into the paintings. The artist, not even twenty-five years old, creates all those creations in which we see the classical expression of the culture of the Renaissance.

Antique influence

After a stunning debut in the Vatican Halls, since 1514, ancient art has increasingly influenced the master. During this period, not only grandiose creations of ancient sculpture, but also works of ancient painting became famous. The baths of Titus were excavated, introducing them to the ornamentation of late Roman culture - “grotesques”. After Bramante's death, Santi became not only the builder of St. Peter's Basilica, but also the custodian of antiquities. Reverence for ancient art is now more often reflected in his independent works. The master completed an order for the design of one of the corridors of the Vatican - the Loggia, using the contents of his notebook with ancient sketches.

“There is no such vase or statue,” says Vasari, “there is no such column or sculpture that Raphael would not copy and which he would not use to decorate the loggia.” It should not be forgotten that from all these borrowings Raphael created an independent whole. He created a creation that, while reviving the old, is at the same time one of the most beautiful examples decorative arts Renaissance.

Expressing his worship of the ancient world with playful and flirtatious ornamentation, Raphael also submitted to the stylistic influence of ancient art.

Along with ancient painting, he imitated ancient sculpture. He is no longer interested in the problem of space and color. A typical example is the fresco “The Triumph of Galatea” painted for the Villa Farnesina. Only main figure inspired by a contemporary work - “Ledoy” by Leonardo. All other details - the sea centaur, the Nereids, the newt, the genius on the back of a dolphin - were borrowed from bas-reliefs on ancient tombs.

The figures on the formwork of the vault also protrude from the void with the plastic relief of sculptures. Raphael's genius was reflected here in the playful ease with which he entered the characters into the triangles that frame them.

Proof of Raphael's amazing versatility is the fact that he still possessed significant skill in expressing realistic features, which allowed him to create a number of portraits that, along with the portraits of Titian, belong to the greatest phenomena of Cinquecento portraiture. One would think that large orders would make him an easy creative decorator. But the portraits prove that Raphael still continued to study nature, that it was this persistent study of nature that allowed him to remain a brilliant draftsman and painter. Santi considered similarity an indispensable condition for portraiture.

Portrait of Baldassare Castiglione

The painter also changes as a creator of Madonnas. They are no longer as gentle as before, now they are majestic. The place of the former meek creatures was taken by more heroic ones. female images powerful physique, with bold movements. The famous “Madonna of Alba” belongs to the Roman stage. Raphael was then fascinated by the works of Michelangelo. main character depicted sitting in a field, surrounded by flowers. She puts her arm around the children, one of whom, John, gives the other a collected reed cross. The Madonna looks at this cross with a thoughtfully sad expression, as if anticipating the event that it promises for her son. Here the pose of the Mother of God is bolder and more vital than in the Florentine period of creativity. The group of figures is connected with the surrounding landscape, so that one feels the impeccable spatial composition that was greatest achievement Raphael. The landscape reflects the rugged grandeur of the surrounding area of ​​Rome. The background is no longer the soft hills of the Arno Valley, but the strict forms of the Campania, enlivened by ancient ruins and aqueducts.

Transfiguration

The memories of the Hellenic world in Raphael’s last painting, “The Transfiguration,” are not completely forgotten. The mother standing below, pointing the boy to the apostles, is one of the most inspiring figures inspired by antique sculpture. However, at the top of the picture one can definitely hear sounds coming from the homeland of Francis of Assisi - Urbino. The landscape illuminated by the evening dawn serves as a colorful transition to the unearthly radiance of the ether.

"Sistine Madonna" completes Raphael's work with a harmonious chord. Here everything that constituted the strength of genius was united. different eras his creativity.

Conclusion

Looking back once again at everything Raphael created in the time allotted to him, you clearly feel what eternal values ​​his work still contained and what the world would be missing if his dazzling image were removed from the picture of Renaissance art. Often he does not have that individual note, that originality that fascinates us in other artists. But precisely because they are not in him, precisely because he hovers over his paintings like an almost disembodied spirit, they seem to be distinguished by the same thing that once gave the works of nameless religious art their strength and power: as if they were not created a separate personality, as if the spirit of a beautiful century was embodied in them.

The genius of Raphael. Biography and style. updated: October 25, 2017 by: Gleb

Raphael is an artist who had a monumental influence on the way art developed. Raphael Santi is deservedly considered one of the three great masters of the Italian High Renaissance.

Introduction

The author of incredibly harmonious and serene paintings, he received recognition from his contemporaries thanks to his images of Madonnas and monumental frescoes in the Vatican Palace. The biography of Rafael Santi, as well as his work, is divided into three main periods.

Over the 37 years of his life, the artist created some of the most beautiful and influential compositions in the history of painting. Raphael's compositions are considered ideal, his figures and faces are considered flawless. In the history of art, he appears as the only artist who managed to achieve perfection.

Brief biography of Rafael Santi

Raphael was born in the Italian city of Urbino in 1483. His father was an artist, but died when the boy was only 11 years old. After the death of his father, Raphael became an apprentice in Perugino's workshop. In his first works one can feel the influence of the master, but by the end of his studies the young artist began to find his own style.

In 1504, the young artist Raphael Santi moved to Florence, where he was deeply admired by the style and technique of Leonardo da Vinci. In the cultural capital he began creating a series of beautiful Madonnas; It was there that he received his first orders. In Florence, the young master met da Vinci and Michelangelo - masters who had the most strong influence based on the work of Rafael Santi. Raphael also owes the acquaintance of his close friend and mentor Donato Bramante to Florence. The biography of Raphael Santi during his Florentine period is incomplete and confusing - judging by historical data, the artist did not live in Florence at that time, but often came there.

Four years spent under the influence of Florentine art helped him achieve an individual style and a unique painting technique. Upon arrival in Rome, Raphael immediately became an artist at the Vatican court and, at the personal request of Pope Julius II, worked on frescoes for the papal study (Stanza della Segnatura). The young master continued painting several other rooms, which today are known as “Raphael’s rooms” (Stanze di Raffaello). After Bramante's death, Raphael was appointed chief architect of the Vatican and continued the construction of St. Peter's Basilica.

Works of Raphael

The compositions created by the artist are famous for their grace, harmony, smooth lines and perfection of forms, which can only be rivaled by the paintings of Leonardo and the works of Michelangelo. It is not for nothing that these great masters make up the “unattainable trinity” of the High Renaissance.

Raphael was an extremely dynamic and active person, therefore, despite his short life, the artist left behind a rich heritage, consisting of works of monumental and easel painting, graphic works and architectural achievements.

During his lifetime, Raphael was a very influential figure in culture and art, his works were considered the standard of artistic excellence, but after Santi's untimely death, attention turned to the work of Michelangelo, and until the 18th century, Raphael's legacy remained in relative oblivion.

The work and biography of Raphael Santi are divided into three periods, the main and most influential of which are the four years the artist spent in Florence (1504-1508) and the rest of the master’s life (Rome 1508-1520).

Florentine period

From 1504 to 1508, Raphael led a nomadic life. He never stayed in Florence for a long time, but despite this, four years of Raphael’s life, and especially his work, are usually called the Florentine period. Much more developed and dynamic, the art of Florence had a profound influence on the young artist.

The transition from the influence of the Perugian school to a more dynamic and individual style is noticeable in one of the first works of the Florentine period - “The Three Graces”. Rafael Santi managed to assimilate new trends while remaining true to his individual style. Monumental painting also changed, as evidenced by the frescoes of 1505. The wall paintings show the influence of Fra Bartolomeo.

However, the influence of da Vinci on the work of Rafael Santi is most clearly visible during this period. Raphael assimilated not only the elements of technique and composition (sfumato, pyramidal construction, contrapposto), which were innovations of Leonardo, but also borrowed some of the ideas of the master already recognized at that time. The beginning of this influence can be traced even in the painting “The Three Graces” - Rafael Santi uses more dynamic composition than in earlier works.

Roman period

In 1508, Raphael came to Rome and lived there until the end of his days. His friendship with Donato Bramante, the chief architect of the Vatican, ensured that he received a warm welcome at the court of Pope Julius II. Almost immediately after the move, Raphael began large-scale work on frescoes for the Stanza della Segnatura. The compositions decorating the walls of the papal office are still considered the ideal of monumental painting. The frescoes, among which “The School of Athens” and “The Controversy over Communion” occupy a special place, provided Raphael with well-deserved recognition and an endless stream of orders.

In Rome, Raphael opened the largest workshop of the Renaissance - under the supervision of Santi, more than 50 students and assistants of the artist worked, many of whom later became outstanding painters (Giulio Romano, Andrea Sabbatini), sculptors and architects (Lorenzetto).

The Roman period is also characterized by the architectural research of Raphael Santi. He was briefly one of the most influential architects in Rome. Unfortunately, few of the developed plans were implemented due to his untimely death and subsequent changes in the architecture of the city.

Madonnas by Raphael

During his rich career, Raphael created more than 30 paintings depicting Mary and the baby Jesus. Madonnas of Raphael Santi are divided into Florentine and Roman.

Florentine Madonnas are paintings created under the influence of Leonardo da Vinci depicting the young Mary and Child. John the Baptist is often depicted next to the Madonna and Jesus. Florentine Madonnas are characterized by calmness and maternal charm, Raphael does not use dark tones and dramatic landscapes, so the main focus of his paintings is the beautiful, modest and loving mothers depicted in them, as well as the perfection of forms and harmony of lines.

Roman Madonnas are paintings in which, apart from Raphael’s individual style and technique, no other influence can be traced. Another difference between Roman paintings is composition. While Florentine Madonnas are depicted at three-quarter length, Roman ones are often painted at full length. The main work of this series is the magnificent “ Sistine Madonna”, which is called “perfection” and is compared to a musical symphony.

Stanzas of Raphael

The monumental paintings decorating the walls of the Papal Palace (and now the Vatican Museum) are considered greatest works Raphael. It's hard to believe that the artist completed work on Stanza della Segnatura in three and a half years. The frescoes, including the magnificent “School of Athens,” are painted in extremely detailed and high quality. Judging by the drawings and preparatory sketches, working on them was an incredibly labor-intensive process, which once again testifies to Raphael’s hard work and artistic talent.

Four frescoes from the Stanza della Segnatura depict the four spheres of human spiritual life: philosophy, theology, poetry and justice - the compositions “The School of Athens”, “The Controversy over Communion”, “Parnassus” and “Wisdom, Moderation and Strength” (“Secular Virtues”) .

Raphael received an order to paint two other rooms: Stanza dell'Incendio di Borgo and Stanza d'Eliodoro. The first contains frescoes with compositions describing the history of the papacy, and the second contains the divine patronage of the church.

Rafael Santi: portraits

The portrait genre in Raphael's work does not occupy such a prominent role as religious and even mythological or historical painting. The artist's early portraits were technically behind his other paintings, but the subsequent development of technology and the study of human forms allowed Raphael to create realistic portraits, imbued with the serenity and clarity characteristic of the artist.

The portrait of Pope Julius II painted by him is to this day an example to follow and an object of aspiration for young artists. The harmony and balance of technical execution and emotional load of the painting create a unique and deep impression that only Rafael Santi could achieve. A photo today is not capable of what the portrait of Pope Julius II achieved in its time - people who saw it for the first time were frightened and cried, Raphael was so perfectly able to convey not only the face, but also the mood and character of the subject of the image.

Another influential portrait by Raphael is the Portrait of Baldassare Castiglione, which was copied by Rubens and Rembrandt in their time.

Architecture

Raphael's architectural style was predictably influenced by Bramante, which is why Raphael's short period as chief architect of the Vatican and one of the most influential architects in Rome was so important in preserving the stylistic unity of the buildings.

Unfortunately, few of the great master's building plans exist to this day: some of Raphael's plans were not carried out due to his death, and some of the already built projects were either demolished or moved and remodeled.

Raphael's hand belongs to the plan of the Vatican courtyard and the painted loggias facing it, as well as the round church of Sant' Eligio degli Orefici and one of the chapels in the Church of St. Maria del Poppolo.

Graphic works

The painting of Rafael Santi is not the only type of fine art in which the artist achieved perfection. More recently, one of his drawings (“Head of a Young Prophet”) was sold at auction for 29 million pounds, becoming the most expensive drawing in the history of art.

To date, there are about 400 drawings belonging to the hand of Raphael. Most of them are sketches for paintings, but there are also those that can easily be considered separate, independent works.

Among Raphael's graphic works there are several compositions created in collaboration with Marcantonio Raimondi, who created many engravings based on the drawings of the great master.

Artistic heritage

Today, the concept of harmony of shapes and colors in painting is synonymous with the name Raphael Santi. The Renaissance acquired a unique artistic vision and almost perfect execution in the work of this wonderful master.

Raphael left his descendants an artistic and ideological legacy. It is so rich and diverse that it is hard to believe it, looking at how short its life was. Raphael Santi, despite the fact that his work was temporarily covered by a wave of Mannerism and then Baroque, remains one of the most influential artists in the history of world art.

The great Italian painter was born in 1483 in Urbino. His father was also a painter and graphic artist, so the future master began his training in his father’s workshop.

Raphael's parents died when the boy was barely 11 years old. After their death, he went to Perugia to study in the workshop of Pietro Perugino. He spent about 4 years in the master's workshop and during this time he acquired his own style.

Carier start

As it says short biography Rafael Santi, after completing his studies, the artist went to live and work in Florence. Here he met such outstanding masters as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Bartolomeo della Porta. He learned from these outstanding masters the secrets of portraiture and sculpture.

In 1508, the artist moved to Rome and became the official painter of the papal court. He held this position under both Pope Julius II and Pope Leo X. It was for the latter that Raphael painted the Sistine Chapel - greatest masterpiece Renaissance.

In 1514, Raphael became the chief architect of St. Peter's Basilica. He also did a lot of excavations in Rome, worked on orders for numerous churches, painted portraits (though mostly portraits of friends), and carried out particularly significant private orders.

Retrospective of the artist’s work: the Florentine period

The artist completed his first works in his father’s workshop. The most striking example of the work of the young artist is a banner with the image of the Holy Trinity. This work is still in the house museum in Urbino.

While studying with Pietro Perugino, Raphael began working on the images of his classic Madonnas. His most striking work from 1501 to 1504 is “Madonna Conestabile”.

The Florentine period is the most eventful in Raphael's life. At this time he created his recognized masterpieces, such as: “The Lady with the Unicorn”, “The Holy Family”, “St. Catherine of Alexandria.”

Also during this period he painted a lot of Madonnas. Raphael's Madonna is, first of all, a mother (most likely, the artist was greatly influenced by the early departure of his own mother). The best Madonnas of this period: “Madonna of the Carnation”, “Madonna of Granduca”, “The Beautiful Gardener”.

Retrospective of the artist's work: the Roman period

The Roman period of creativity is the pinnacle of the artist’s career. He departed a little from the classic biblical stories and turned to Antiquity. Recognized world masterpieces are: “The School of Athens”, “Parnassus”, “Sistine Madonna” (the painting on the wall of the Sistine Chapel is the pinnacle of Raphael’s mastery), “Alba Madonna”, “Madonna with the Fish”.

Death of an Artist

Raphael died in 1520, presumably from Roman fever, which he “caught” during excavations. Buried in the Pantheon.

Other biography options

  • Raphael knew A. Durer. It is known that the latter gave Raphael his self-portrait, but its fate is still unknown to this day.
  • Villa Farnesina is a special stage in the artist’s career. We can say that for the first time he addresses ancient mythology And historical painting. This is how the frescoes “The Triumph of Galatea” and “The Wedding of Alexander and Roxana” appear. It is interesting that Raphael also painted from nudes. His best work in this regard is “Fornarina” (it is believed that most of the female portraits made by the artist were copied from his model and beloved Fornarina, about whose fate little is known).
  • Raphael wrote beautiful sonnets, mainly dedicated to the love of women.
  • In 2002, one of Raphael's graphic works was sold at Sotheby's for a record amount for this type of work - 30 million pounds sterling.

And Leonardo da Vinci. He was a master of photorealistic depictions of emotion in great detail, bringing life to his paintings. Raphael is considered a perfectly “balanced” artist, and many of his paintings are rightfully recognized as the cornerstones of Renaissance art. Here are the 10 most famous paintings this great Italian artist.

Raphael. 10 iconic works.

Year of creation: 1504

Based on a painting of the same theme by Pietro Perugino, The Betrothal of the Virgin Mary depicts the heroine's marriage to Joseph. There is an evolution of Raphael's style, which is superior to Perugino. The temple in the background is drawn with such obvious care that it is surprising to imagine the difficulties the author had to go through at the time of writing.

Year of creation: 1506

The painting, depicting the famous legend of St. George slaying the dragon, is perhaps the most iconic of all works on this subject. It was one of the most popular exhibits in the Hermitage until it found its way into the National Gallery of Art (Washington), where it remains one of the most popular works to this day.

Year of creation: 1515

The famous portrait of Donna Velata highlights the artist's amazing ability to paint with such exquisite perfection that the figure appears to be looking at the viewer, blurring the lines of reality. The woman's clothing once again shows Raphael's attention to detail, which fills the painting with even greater realism. All that is known about the main character of the film is that she was the author’s mistress.

Year of creation: 1510

Along with the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, Raphael's frescoes in the Apostolic Palace are the quintessence of the High Renaissance in Rome. One of the four great works (also the School of Athens, Parnassus and Law) is a discourse on the sacrament. The painting of the church spans heaven and earth and is rightfully considered one of Raphael's most famous frescoes.

Parnassus. Raphael

Year of creation: 1515

One of the most significant portraits of the Renaissance depicts the artist's friend, diplomat and humanist Castiglione, who is considered a typical example of the nobility of the period. The picture influenced such famous artists like Titian, Matisse and Rembrandt.

Year of creation: 1514

IN Greek mythology, the beautiful Neriad (spirit of the ocean) Garatea is the daughter of Poseidon. She had the misfortune of being married to the jealous one-eyed giant Polyphemus, who kills Akidas, son of Pan, after learning that his wife wanted to cheat on him. Instead of depicting this story, Raphael paints the apotheosis of Galatea. this work, perhaps, has no analogues in the skill of conveying the classical spirit of antiquity.

Year of creation: 1507

The artist's popularity at that time was not associated with his main works, but was built on the basis of numerous small paintings. They are still popular today, and one of the most famous such works is La Belle Gardener (Madonna in the Beautiful Garden). The painting shows a calm interaction between the Madonna in an informal pose with the young Christ and the young John the Baptist. This is a typical example of Raphael's painting.

Year of creation: 1520

The Transfiguration is the last painting that Raphael created. It is divided into two logical parts. The upper half depicts Christ and the prophets Elijah and Moses on either side of him. In the lower fragment, the apostles unsuccessfully try to cure a boy of demonic possession. The painting can be interpreted as depicting the contrast between God and man, with purity and symmetry above and chaos and darkness below.

Year of creation: 1512

Raphael's masterpiece, as mentioned above, is one of four frescoes in the Apostolic Palace (Vatican). Critics and art historians believe that among the 21 single figures one can find all the significant philosophers of Greece. The embodiment of the spirit of the Renaissance - this is most likely the most famous painting Santi.

10 iconic works of Raphael updated: October 2, 2017 by: Gleb

A great artist of Italian origin, a representative of the Umbrian school of painting. One of the classics of the era of the Renaissance.

Childhood

Rafael Santi was born into the family of Italian artist Giovanni Santi and Margie Charla. The artist's childhood was carefree and cheerful until he lost both parents and became an orphan. Before his death, his father managed to develop a love for art in the boy, and the young artist created his first works in his workshop. It was in childhood that the artist developed a love for depicting the Madonna. His first mentor after his father was Pietro Perugino, so his early paintings are very similar to him in style. He visits his native land several times during his studies. In 1502, the world was presented with a painting depicting the Madonna, which became quite famous, “Madonna Solly”. Over time, the painter develops his personal performance and character. The bulk of his works at this time were altarpieces and only a few small canvases.

Talent development

Not wanting to set limits on his capabilities and possessing a zeal for the development of talent, he goes to Florence. Towards the end of 1504, he meets famous and talented artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Bartolomeo. Most of all, the artist was interested in da Vinci's style of execution, and he redraws some of his works. Having trained his hand in the works of famous Florentine painters, Raphael developed the smoothness of lines and subtlety of matter. The first orders began to arrive almost immediately. The portrait, painted by Raphael at the request of Agnolo Doni, was executed in a manner very reminiscent of Da Vinci’s “La Gioconda.” He tries to achieve his maximum by developing his performance. Almost all the orders that the artist received were on a religious theme. He painted more than twenty Madonnas and Children. His most famous Madonnas were painted during his stay in Florence, “Madonna of the Goldfinch”, “The Beautiful Gardener”.

At the end of 1508, the artist moved to Rome where he served as the personal draftsman of the papal court. The first order was a painting for the Stanzu della Segnatura; the artist chose human intellectual activity as the main theme for the painting. In 1510 he wrote his most famous painting"The School of Athens". This production is an excellent example of a multi-figure composition. The canvas depicts 50 of the greatest thinkers, astronomers and mathematicians. Each figure is a clearly thought out and drawn character with character and its own story. Some of the thinkers depicted in the mural bore visual similarities to da Vinci, Michelangelo, and even the creator of the composition himself.

Work in the Vatican

Pope Julius II was delighted with Raphael's work even when the School of Athens was still in the sketch stages. He was entrusted with painting three stanzas, removing those artists who had already led design work above them. Anticipating a huge amount of work, Raphael took on students who helped him with painting. Ultimately, the fourth stanza was performed entirely by the artist's students. Stanza Eliodoro attracted the greatest public interest with the fresco “Release of the Apostle Peter from Prison.” The placement of the image was directly under the window, which created the illusion of a darkened room in the image. Thinness and smoothness of lines, bright color transitions and vivid highlights. The performance was so masterfully executed that the viewer involuntarily has a feeling of the reality of what is happening. Every shadow was thought out. The bright heat of the fire from the torch and its reflections on the armor. No one had ever succeeded in performing such a night-time performance before; Raphael was the first to achieve such a realistic effect.

In 1513 there was a change of Pope, but Leo X valued the artist no less than his predecessors. In the same year, the artist received an order to paint the Sistine Chapel. He immediately began creating canvases with themes from the Bible. Unfortunately, only seven paintings have survived to this day. Another order made by the pope was the decoration of the loggia, which was part of the Vatican courtyard, with frescoes. Due to the fact that the order was very large, about 50 frescoes were made by Raphael’s students based on the master’s sketches. In 1515 he was awarded the post of chief keeper of antiquities. In the same year, Raphael met the German artist Dürer. As a gift in honor of meeting each other, the draftsmen thanked each other with their canvases. The fate of the images remained unknown.

Drawing and painting

Despite the fact that most of the works performed by Raphael are frescoes and paintings on Biblical themes, the artist created quite a few portraits. “Portrait of Pope Julius II” was made so realistically that people froze in awe. Many even bowed to the portrait as a sign of respect for the work done by the artist. After such a reaction from the public, the artist was commissioned to paint portraits of his closest circle and Giulio Medici. The artist also painted his own self-portraits. One of his self-portraits is shrouded in a haze of mystery since the person with whom he depicted himself is unknown to anyone.

About 400 sketches and drawings were left by the artist. Some of his graphic works were used to create engravings by Marcantonio Raimondi. Many of his students copied the teacher’s sketches and created works based on them. Unfortunately, none of the young artists whom Raphael taught achieved great success. And all the works that were created by students based on the painter’s sketches were perceived negatively by the public. He also created architectural projects. He completed the construction of the Vatican courtyard with loggias. He began to design and build Villa Madama, but was never able to finish it.

Death

The artist died quite young on April 6, 1520, not even reaching the age of forty. He died from the fever that was raging in Rome in those years, which he caught while excavating the tomb.

— On December 5, 2012, Raphael’s drawing “Head of the Young Apostle” for the painting “Transfiguration” was sold at Sotheby’s auction. The price was £29,721,250, double the starting price. This is a record amount for graphic works.