Raphael Sanzio
For a brief overview of Raphael's life read the overview below, or for more detailed information about a part of Raphael's life please select one of the following links:
Raphael Biography Part 1 - Raphael: The Early Years
Raphael Biography Part 2 - Raphael: The Middle Years
Raphael Biography Part 3 - Raphael: The Later Years
Raphael Biography Overview
Birth Year : 1483
Death Year : 1520
Country : Italy
Raphael Sanzio, the last of the three greatest painters of the Renaissance, was born Raffaello Sanzio in Urbino, in the province of Umbria. It is likely that he took his first lessons from his father, a provincial painter named Giovanni di Santi, before arriving at Florence, where by 1500 he worked in the studio of Perugino, an artist well known for his beautifully colored works. Under the influence of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, both of whom were in Florence during this time. Raphael, whose early work already surpassed his master's works, soon lost any provincial tendencies as he began to adopt Michelangelo's vigorous energy and Leonardo's sfumato and spiritualism. Raphael's artwork became luminous in atmosphere, rich in color, harmonious in movement, sculpturally 3D, and balanced in composition. Throughout Raphael's short life, his abilities as a consummate artist never ceased to show growth of intelligence and vision. Raphael went to Rome in 1508, where his many talents and his personality brought him friends, honor, and success.
Before he died, Raphael had painted the monumental and idealistic frescoes for Pope Julius II's private rooms in the Vatican, worked as an architect on the plans for St. Peter's, drew cartoons for tapestries for the Sistine Chapel, and had been appointed superintendent of the excavation of ancient Rome. Raphael had also painted classical frescoes for private villas, religious works, and many brilliant portraits. Raphael lived an active life, the center of a group of artists and intellectuals. In spite of the fact that he had a large studio with many assistants and students, the numerous architectural and painting commissions Raphael received caused him to overwork. Raphael died at the age of 37, leaving behind an unfinished Transfiguration, indicative of a further artistic maturation which was all too abruptly ended.
Continue on to the Raphael Biography The Early Years