Stlukesguild

Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino (Spring 1483 – April 6, 1520)


Raphael was one of the 4 giants of the high Renaissance in Italy (the others being Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Titian). His oeuvre is not something that can be defined (with nuance) in merely a few words. The artist was both quite driven in his career and a sensualist. His early work exhibited the poetic touch of his master, Perugino... drew inspiration from the elder Leonardo... especially with regard to imbuing his figures with an internal gesture or movement... but were infused with his own earthy sensuality. At the same time, his paintings exhibit a true classicism... simplifying forms to their essential elements... eliminating superfluous details. Almost all reports agree that Raphael loved women and was something of a "ladies man". There are tales of the artist using his career as an artist as a means of seduction ("Hey baby, you wanna be in pictures"). His saints are all endowed with a voluptuousness and softness that can only be described as "feminine":







His paintings of men exhibit the same sensuality and idealized classicism:



After establishing a reputation under his master, Perugino, in Perugia, and later on his own... Raphael came to Rome and called upon his uncle, the architect Bramante... who was the master builder to Pope Julius... seeking assistance in gaining commisions from the Pope. It was Bramante... ever politically astute... who suggested to the Pope that Michelangelo be employed painting the Sistine (as opposed to working upon his sculptural works for Julius' tomb). It was imagined that Michelangelo would fail at this effort... having little experience in fresco... opening the door to Bramante's nephew. Obviously the ploy failed... but Raphael did gain lesser commissions within the Vatican.