Raphael
Raphael was born in Urbino, Italy in 1483. He spent the majority of his career in Florence and Rome. Raphael is best known for painting a series of “Madonnas.” A Madonna is any artistic representation of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Raphael’s father was an artist as well. He taught Raphael how to paint, but tragically died when Raphael was only eleven years old. Raphael took over his father’s workshop and quickly became very successful. Raphael studied the works of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci in order to further develop his skills.
One of his most famous works is The School of Athens, which portrays a gathering of what is believed to be all of the important classical Greek scholars. This masterpiece is the perfect example of Renaissance art because it perfectly represents the humanist principles of the movement and the renewed appreciation for Ancient Greek and Roman knowledge.
Raphael's Portfolio:
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These little angels at the bottom of the Sistine Madonna are more famous and recognizable than the painting itself.
This painting is believed to represent St. Catherine of Alexandria. She is normally seen with a wheel which symbolizes her purity. In this case, the wheel has been replaced by a unicorn.