Raphael

Anabelle Brisita
Nov 30, 2020
2 min read

Updated: Dec 5, 2020

Portrait of Raphael by

Early Life

Raphael Sanzio was born on April 6 or March 28th of 1483. He was born in Urbino, Italy and was orphaned at the early age of 11. He was taken under the care of his stepmother, who his dad remarried to after the death of his mother, and his uncle Bartolomeo. He managed his late father's workshop, and had his first painting instruction by his father before his passing. He was recognized early on as a talented artist by biographer Giorgio Vasari.

In 1495, Raphael traveled to Perugia, and became fully trained in 1500. The first documented piece we have of Raphael was the Baronci altarpiece in the church of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino. During this time, he also painted detailed cabinets for who is assumed to be the royals of the Urbino court. He also painted other pieces for other churches in the area, and even in his youth and early career, was a highly sought after artist.

At the age of 21 in 1504, Raphael made constant moves around Northern Italy, most prominently in Florence. Whilst developing his own set style, he incorporated the influence of Florence and the culture of art in Florence. He was educated by both Michelangelo and Leonardo ( who had an intense rivalry ), during this period. Raphael adapted Leonardo's techniques during this time, and improved vastly on them. For example, he learned the technique of sfumato from Leonardo, and improved upon it, and made his figures to be what is described as 'serene'.

Madonna of the Goldfinch, Raphael ( 1506 )

Personal Life

Raphael Sanzio had never gotten married, but in fact engaged to a woman named Maria Bibbiena, who was a niece of a cardinal. It seems to have been semi-arranged, Raphael being talked into marrying her. She died an untimely death in 1520 however, but always had eyes set on a baker's daughter, Margherita Luti. He was said to have also had many affairs throughout his lifetime. He passed away on April 6th, of 1520 due to an acute illness that had lasted 15 days.