Legends of the Renaissance: the Life and Legacy of Raphael

*Includes pictures of Raphael's most famous art and portraits of famous people. *Explains Raphael's artistic rivalries with Leonardo and Michelangelo, as well as comparisons and contrasts between his art and their art. *Includes a Bibliography for further reading. "Here lies that famous Raphael by whom Nature feared to be conquered while he lived, and when he was dying, feared herself to die." - Inscription on Raphael's sarcophagus Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino,...
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*Includes pictures of Raphael's most famous art and portraits of famous people.
*Explains Raphael's artistic rivalries with Leonardo and Michelangelo, as well as comparisons and contrasts between his art and their art.
*Includes a Bibliography for further reading.
"Here lies that famous Raphael by whom Nature feared to be conquered while he lived, and when he was dying, feared herself to die." - Inscription on Raphael's sarcophagus
Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, known across the world simply by the name Raphael, stands as one of the main pillars of the High Renaissance, an iconic example of the balance between spirituality and Humanistic inquiry that characterized the time period. Although he lived just 37 years, his career produced an amazingly rich output, and he completed more works than many artists do over careers spanning twice the length. At the same time, Raphael's art combined central tropes associated with the Renaissance while remaining remarkably original. As such, his career is not only worth exploring in its own right, but also for the ways in which he typified contemporary artistic techniques, including a return to antiquity and the balance between mathematical accuracy, rational thought, and religious devotion.
While Raphael's own themes did not vary greatly throughout his career, he led a relatively nomadic existence, and his life reflects the trends associated with late 15th century and early 16th century Italy. Born in Umbria and raised in the Umbria court, Raphael was exposed to a wealth of artistic influences and high culture, characteristic of the early Renaissance shift toward humanism and artistic appreciation. Although Raphael's talent was generational, his life did not involve the extreme poverty and destitution that often characterized the lives of other famous artists. This ensured Raphael's life represents a useful rubric through which to examine the cultural norms of the era.
Although Raphael was perhaps the most favored artist of the Italian Renaissance, his reputation has since been surpassed by famous contemporaries like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. To this day, it is difficult to think of Raphael without considering his artistic rivals, and comparing the artwork between Raphael and his contemporaries illuminates Raphael's artistic style and the reception surrounding his work. In many ways, his art synthesized the styles of other artists; Raphael's artwork was not produced in a vacuum, and his career reflects the rise of the artist as a culturally significant figure while also preserving the grandeur of the church. Even if he lacked the innovation of Leonardo or Michelangelo, Raphael was every bit as renowned during the time period; it is hoped that through applying a contextual approach to studying his life and career, this analysis clarifies the artist's mass appeal and cultural significance.
Legends of the Renaissance: The Life and Legacy of Raphael chronicles the famous artist's life and work, as well as his lasting legacy. Along with pictures of important people, places, and events in his life, you will learn about Raphael like you never have before, in no time at all.