Raphael was an Italian painter, printmaker, and architect of the High Renaissance. He was born on April 6, 1483, in Urbino, Italy, where his father was a court painter to the Duke. Raphael’s early interest in painting began with his father who taught him the basics of painting. Urbino was a cultured and vibrant town where art was a passion and the Duke praised lovely manners above all else.
Raphael became a more celebrated artist than his teacher Perugino. He is best known for his “Madonnas” and large figure compositions in the Vatican. His perfection of form and technique is held up as an ideal for other painters. During his brief career (he died at age 37), he produced some of history’s most iconic works such as “The School of Athens,” which depicts many historical figures.
Apart from paintings, Raphael also enjoyed architecture and designed buildings during his time in Rome which inspired architects for centuries. Today he is often referred to as one of Italy’s greatest artists ever; A true masterpiece creator whose handiwork has stood the test of time.
