The artwork “Raphael and Fornarina” was created by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres between 1813 and 1840. It is an oil on canvas painting, measuring 35.56 cm in height and 27.3 cm in width. This portrait is part of the Neoclassical art movement and is currently housed in the Columbus Museum of Art, located in Columbus, Ohio, United States.
The artwork depicts a highly romanticized scene believed to portray the Renaissance painter Raphael with his lover, La Fornarina. Raphael sits in the foreground, his gaze directed out of the canvas, while he seems to be engrossed in the act of painting. La Fornarina stands behind him, her upper body unclothed, draping her arm around his shoulder and holding a ribbon or band, possibly a symbol of her affection or connection to Raphael. Her nudity contrasts with Raphael’s rich attire and the seriousness of his artistic endeavor.
Raphael’s attire includes a blue garment with a voluminous sleeve, contrasting brightly with his red tights. The couple is rendered with soft, smooth lines and a subdued palette that highlights the flesh tones against the deep colors of the clothing. Behind Raphael, a second figure can be seen in a darkened background, adding depth and narrative complexity to the scene.
The setting includes classical architecture and what appears to be a large painting or tapestry with a scene of galloping horses, possibly referencing to the historical context of Raphael’s own work or the grand narratives of classical art that both artists were engaged with.
Overall, Ingres has crafted a moment that conveys a romantic, almost idealized, look into the life and love of one of art history’s most celebrated masters, blending the Neoclassical style with a sense of intimate storytelling.