10 Artwork By Raphael You Should Know
Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, better known as Raphael (March 28 or April 6, 1483 – April 6, 1520) was an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance.
Born in Urbino, Raphael was exposed to the painting techniques of his father Giovanni Santi, a painter for the Duke. After beginning an apprenticeship under Perugino and migrating to Florence, this High Renaissance master became one of the greatest artists of his era.
Here are some significant works by Raphael that you should know.
‘The Triumph of Galatea’
Completed in 1514, ‘The Triumph of Galatea’ is a fresco that Raphael painted for the Villa Farnesina in Rome. The Greek mythological story involves the beautiful Nereid Galatea, who fell in love with a peasant shepherd. In this particular scene, Raphael shows Galatea surrounded by centaurs and sea creatures, including a Triton (half-man, half-fish) who abducts a sea nymph. Raphael’s representation of Galatea is an image based on his ideal of female perfection.
Completed in 1514, 'The Triumph of Galatea' is an exquisite fresco that Raphael painted for the Villa Farnesina in Rome. This piece portrays the Greek mythological tale of a beautiful Nereid named Galatea and her romance with a peasant shepherd. The painting captures the divine image of Galatea amidst
'The School of Athens'
A tribute to classical thought and philosophy, is a fresco part of Raphael's commission to decorate the rooms in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican. It has been described as "Raphael’s masterpiece and the perfect embodiment of the classical spirit of the High Renaissance". The painting features nearly all notable Greek philosophers, with Plato and Aristotle at the center of the work.
Some figures are believed to resemble Raphael's contemporaries, such as Leonardo da Vinci being represented as Plato, and Michelangelo leaning on a block of marble symbolizing Heraclitus. It is one of the great masterpieces of Renaissance art.
'Sistine Madonna'
Is the iconic oil painting commissioned by Pope Julius II in 1512 for the church of San Sisto in Piacenza. Today, it can be found at the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen in Dresden, Germany. The artwork has become renowned due to its two winged angels located at the bottom of the composition.
In 1803, for the first time, these two angels were reproduced independently, eventually leading to their fame through many marketing campaigns that featured them. As a result, they have been represented on various products such as stamps and postcards up to bed sheets and wrapping paper.
'Disputation of the Holy Sacrament'
The fresco in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace was Raphael's first commissioned work. It features a dual scene, with Christ and his heavenly companions above and saints, bishops, popes and other worshippers below. In this exquisite painting, God presides over Jesus while the Holy Spirit is at his feet. Notably, Dante Alighieri is in the right corner, donning a laurel crown that alludes to his poetic mastery. Marvel at this incredible piece of art and be spiritually elevated.
'The Transfiguration'
Commissioned by Cardinal and future Pope Giulio de’ Medici, Raphael's last artwork, 'The Transfiguration', can be seen as a reflection of the growth in his mastery as an artist. Poses of the figures at the bottom of the picture display Mannerist style characteristics, which arose during late Italian High Renaissance period.
This painting is also regarded as a precursor to Baroque art due to the dramatic tension of the characters, as well as its heavy use of chiaroscuro.
'The Transfiguration' truly marks Raphael's artistic climax.
'The Three Graces'
Raphael's iconic painting of the Three Graces is a vivid representation of classical mythology. His style, though still young and less refined than later works, clearly captures the anatomy of the nude female figures - two facing outward and one inwards.
The dreamy background mirrors that of Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, painted around the same time, and is thought to be Raphael's first study of the female body from both sides. ‘The Three Graces’ is a classic example of Renaissance art, capturing the beauty and grace of its subject matter with an eye for realism.
'Self Portrait'
Currently residing in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, the painting known as 'Self Portrait' is believed to be a self-portrait created by Raphael between 1504 and 1506. This work's authenticity has been scrutinized due to its poor condition, prohibiting art historians from definitively attributing it to him.
In recent times, an almost identical version of this portrait emerged from a bank vault, rendering the Uffizi version suspect. Despite all this, it is still considered one of the clearest and most recognizable images of Raphael as it was once printed on Italy's 500,000 lire bank note.
'Portrait of Baldassare Castiglione'
Raphael's depiction of Baldassare Castiglione, one of his closest friends and a celebrated humanist, diplomat, and author of 'The Courtier', is regarded as one of the most outstanding portraits from the Renaissance period.
The two first met in Urbino, Raphael's birthplace, in 1504 when the esteemed artist had gained considerable prestige in the court. In this portrait, Castiglione is depicted wearing a sophisticated yet subdued outfit suitable for such a refined figure. Castiglione was said to have appreciated the painting's true-to-life vibrancy and its evocation of human presence. This portrait is truly an exemplar of High Renaissance elegance.
'The Engagement of Virgin Mary'
This 1504 oil painting, entitled 'The Engagement of Virgin Mary', features an imagined depiction of the holy couple's wedding ceremony. It is believed to have been inspired by Pietro Perugino's version of this event. As Giorgio Vasari mentioned in his 16th century writings, Raphael created a piece that "surpasses the manner of Pietro", owing in part to his masterful use of perspective. The colors are vivid and the countenances on the figures in the foreground have an air of serenity that is almost palpable.
'Portrait of Pope Julius II'
This painting of Pope Julius II, completed in 1512, was a revolutionary piece as far as Papal portraits were concerned. So much so that it set the style for the next 200 years.
Unlike other Popes before him who had been depicted either frontally or in profile whilst kneeling, Julius II is seen lost in thought with such lifelikeness that observers were said to have trembled as if he were alive in the room. Giorgio Vasari was quoted as saying "so true and lifelike". It is clear that Raphael changed the model for Papal portraits with this piece.
Raphael is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists to have ever lived. His works have captivated viewers for centuries, inspiring admiration and awe with their beauty and skillful execution. His paintings, from 'The Transfiguration' to 'The Engagement of Virgin Mary', exhibit an incredible range of styles and themes, often reflecting the spirit of the Renaissance in which he lived. Raphael's artworks are iconic pieces that have become essential to the history of art and are sure to continue inspiring generations for centuries to come.
Thank you for reading this blog post about Raphael's famous artworks. We hope it has provided you with a greater appreciation of the Italian Master's work, and that you can now view his pieces with an inspired eye. Until next time!
D'Artisan Shoppe 15pc profesional brush set
4 natural hog hair bristle brushes and 11 synthetic bristle brushes to create the brush strokes you need.
