In what city did Rafael Santi live? Raffaello Santi. Raphael - paintings and frescoes. Florentine period of life

Rafael Santi. Madonna Conestabile. OK. 1502 03. Hermitage. RAFAEL SANTI (Raffaello Santi) (1483 1520), Italian painter, architect. Representative of the High Renaissance. With classical clarity and sublime spirituality he embodied... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

Rafael Santi- (Raffaello Santi) (1483 1520), Italian. painter. For the first time, R.'s name appears in L.'s poem. "The Poet" (1828); and in other early productions. he resorts to comparison with Madonnas R., wanting in this way to emphasize the charm of his heroines or point out a special... ... Lermontov Encyclopedia

RAFAEL SANTI- (Raffaello Santi) (1483 1520) Italian painter and architect. Representative of the High Renaissance. With classical clarity and sublime spirituality, he embodied the life-affirming ideals of the Renaissance. Early works (Madonna Conestabile... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Rafael, Santi- (1483 1520) brilliant it. painter, architect. Representative of the High Renaissance. Along with Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo was the creator of High Renaissance art. Artist of synthesis and harmony (in the constellation of masters of the High Renaissance... ... The medieval world in terms, names and titles

Rafael Santi- (Raffaello Santi) (1483 1520), Italian painter and architect. One of the greatest masters of the High Renaissance, with classical clarity and sublime spirituality, embodied its life-affirming ideals. Early works (“Madonna… … encyclopedic Dictionary

RAFAEL SANTI- own Raffaello Santi or Sanzio (Raphael, Raffaello Santi, Sanzio) RAFAEL. SELF-PORTRAIT (1483-1520), Italian painter and architect, one of the greatest masters of the Renaissance. Raphael's works are distinguished by their softness and roundness of shape... Collier's Encyclopedia

Rafael Santi- (Raffaello Santi) 1483, Urbino 1520, Rome. Italian painter and architect. Son of the artist Giovanni Santi. According to Vasari, he studied with Perugino; There is no documentary evidence of this. First mentioned as independent master … European art: Painting. Sculpture. Graphics: Encyclopedia

Rafael Santi- see Santi... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

Rafael Santi- (1483–1520), Italian. painter and architect. From 1515 he directed the construction of the Cathedral of St. Peter's in Rome, exercised control over all finds of ancient sculpture and inscriptions. In a clear, harmoniously completed composition inherent in works... ... Dictionary of Antiquity

Rafael Santi- RAFAEL SANTI (Raffaello Santi) (14831520), Italian. painter and architect. One of the greatest masters of the High Renaissance, with classic. clarity and sublime spirituality embodied his life-affirming ideals. Early production (Madonna... ... Biographical Dictionary

Books

, Semyon Moiseevich Brilliant, These biographical essays were published about a hundred years ago in the series Life of Remarkable People, carried out by F. F. Pavlenkov (1839 1900). Written in a new genre for that time... Category: Biographies, memoirs and fiction Publisher: Book on Demand, Manufacturer: Book on Demand, Buy for 3154 UAH (Ukraine only)
Rafael Santi. His life and artistic activity, Semyon Moiseevich Brilliant, These biographical sketches were published about a hundred years ago in the series “The Life of Remarkable People”, carried out by F. F. Pavlenkov (1839-1900). Written in a new genre for that time... Category: Biographies and true stories Series: Publisher:

Raphael Santi (1483-1520) is the greatest Italian artist, architect and graphic artist.

Childhood and adolescence

Raphael was born on March 14, 1483. This happened in eastern Italy in the small town of Urbino on the night of Good Friday. The child's father, Giovanni dei Santi, was engaged in poetry and painting; he was a gifted but not outstanding artist; he worked at the court of the Duke of Montefeltro.

The boy's mother, Margie Charla, died very early. Rafael was only 8 years old at the time. Less than three years had passed since his father passed away in 1494. But Giovanni managed to direct the children in the right direction, and Raphael also received his first artistic experience in his workshop.

The boy was still very young, when his father discovered his artistic talent and inclination for art, and began to train his son in painting. And very soon he received an assistant in the person of young Raphael, the child was not even ten years old when he and his father painted pictures commissioned by the Urbino state. Raphael's very first work is considered to be the fresco "Madonna and Child", which he made together with his father.

Raphael's first independent works were paintings commissioned for the church:

“A banner with the image of the Holy Trinity” (the canvas was written in 1499-1500);
"Coronation of St. Nicholas of Tolentino" (Santi worked on this altar image in 1500-1501).

Study in Perugia

In 1501, Santi entered Perugia to further study painting with the artist Pietro Perugino, who at that time occupied a leading position among Italian masters. The young student thoroughly studied the style of his teacher, and began to imitate it so decisively and accurately that soon copies of Raphael could not be distinguished from the original paintings of the famous Perugino.

With the utmost skill, Santi completed the work for Madame Magdalena degli Oddi (not with paint on canvas, but with oil on wood). Now this creation is in the Church of San Francesco in Perugia, it depicts the Mother of God, Jesus Christ and the twelve apostles around the tomb, contemplating a heavenly vision.

Raphael's early works of that period also include paintings:

"Three Graces";
"Archangel Michael Slaying Satan";
"A Knight's Dream"
"The Sermon of Saint John the Baptist."

While studying in Perugia, Raphael often came home to the Urbino town of Citta de Castella, where, together with the Italian artist Pinturicchio, he made commissioned works.

In 1502, Santi painted his very first “Madonna Solly”, then he painted them until the end of his life.

By 1504, the artist had already developed a certain style, and his first significant works appeared:

“Betrothal of the Virgin Mary to Joseph”;
"Portrait of Pietro Bembo";
"Madonna Conestabile";
"Saint George Slaying the Dragon";
"Coronation of Mary".

Florentine period of life

In 1504, Raphael left Perugia. He headed to Florence; this move played a huge role in the artist’s creative development. Here he began to carefully study the works of Bartolomeo della Porta, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and other Florentine painters. Santi thoroughly studied the mechanics and anatomy of human movements, complex angles and poses, and worked a lot with life.

His paintings from the Florentine period already showed the complex formulas of agitated and dramatic human movement that Michelangelo had previously developed.

In 1507, Santi wrote another masterpiece, “Entombment.”

Raphael's popularity began to grow, he received many orders for portraits and images of saints.

But main theme His Florentine paintings included the Madonna and Child, and he painted about 20 paintings. Despite the standard scenes, the Madonna holding a baby in her arms or playing next to her with John the Baptist, all images are absolutely individual. A special maternal tenderness is visible in these works. Most likely, it was due to the fact that Raphael’s mother died very early, such a loss was deeply reflected in the artist’s soul; he did not receive all the affection and kindness from the woman who gave him life.

The Madonnas depicted in his paintings led to Raphael's success and fame. He received great amount orders on similar topics, during this period Santi wrote his best works:

"Madonna Granduca";
"Madonna under the canopy";
"The Beautiful Gardener" (or "Madonna and Child and John the Baptist");
"Madonna Terranuova";
"Madonna with Carnations";
"Madonna with the Goldfinch."

Santi spent four years in Florence, during which time he achieved a unique technique in painting and individuality in style. Many of his works of this period are considered the most beautiful and ideal in the history of world painting; he painted impeccable figures and faces.

In Florence, Santi met and became friends with Donato Bramante, who later played a significant role in the artist’s life.

Vatican

In 1508, Santi left Florence, he went to Rome, where he lived all his remaining years.

Here, with the help of his friend Bramante, Raphael was hired to work at the papal court as an official artist. He began to engage in fresco painting and brilliantly painted the Stanza della Segnatura with multi-figure compositions. Pope Julius II was pleased with his work. Santi had not yet completed one stanza when the Pope entrusted him with painting three more; Moreover, the painters who had already begun to paint them (Perugino and Signorelli) were suspended from work.

There were a lot of orders, and Santi took students to help him. He made the sketches himself, and his students helped him in painting.

In 1513, Julius II was replaced by Leo X, he also appreciated Raphael’s abilities and entrusted him with making cardboards for the Sistine Chapel, where they would depict Bible stories. Leo X also commissioned the artist to create loggias that overlook the Vatican courtyard. Over the course of 5 years, these loggias of 13 arcades were built according to Santi’s ideas. Then the artist made sketches of Biblical scenes, and his students decorated the loggia with 52 frescoes.

In 1514, Raphael's friend and mentor Donato Bramante died. At this time, construction of St. Peter's Cathedral had just begun in Rome, and Santi was appointed to the position of chief architect. And a year later, in 1515, he was approved as the chief custodian of antiquities. It was Raphael, who replaced the deceased Bramante, who completed the famous Vatican courtyard with loggias.

The workload in the Vatican was crazy, but at the same time Santi still managed to work on altar images for churches commissioned by him. His painting “Transfiguration” is considered the most majestic and masterpiece.

Santi did not forget about his favorite topic - Madonna. During the time he lived in Rome, he created about 10 images:

"Madonna in a Chair";
"Madonna with the Fish";
"Madonna Alba";
"Madonna Foligno".

Here he created the pinnacle of his creativity - the Sistine Madonna.

This painting is considered phenomenal, no one will ever be able to unravel the secret of the great artist, how he managed to combine all the shades, shapes and lines into a single whole, that when looking at this picture there is only one irresistible desire - to continuously look into the sad eyes of Mary .

Most of Raphael's paintings were painted on religious themes. But his work also included portraiture. The following were especially beautifully created:

"Portrait of Pope Julius II";
"Portrait of Baldassare Castiglione";
"Portrait of Bindo Altoviti";
"Portrait of Leo X with Cardinals Giulio de' Medici and Luigi Rossi";
"Portrait of Cardinal Alessandro Farnese."

Raphael last depicted himself in the painting “Self-Portrait with a Friend.”

A great lover of painting, the owner of the bank, Agostino Chigi, suggested that Santi decorate his residence outside the city, built on the banks of the Tiber, with frescoes on the theme of ancient mythology. While working on this order, the artist created his best work, which is called the most beautiful of the beautiful, “The Triumph of Galatea.”

Raphael had a lot of students, however, none of them became an outstanding artist. Giulio Romano had the greatest talent, but his work was not appreciated by his contemporaries. Several paintings were painted by Giovanni Nanni. Perin del Vaga, who worked in Genoa and Florence, turned out to be a good artist. Francesco Penni had excellent potential, but he died very early.

Raphael's other talents

Santi proved himself to be no less a professional in architecture. The churches, chapels, and palazzos built according to his design were distinguished by their grace, rich facade plasticity, restrained noble forms and intimate interiors. Each palace he created had an individual, elegant appearance.

Santi was also involved in engravings and drawings. About 400 of his drawings have survived to this day. Raphael did not make the engravings themselves, but created sketches for them. Marcantonio Raimondi made many engravings based on his drawings. One of Santi's graphic works, entitled "Head of a Young Apostle", was sold at Sotheby's at the end of 2012 for a record sum of £29,721,250 (this figure was twice the starting price).

Raphael loved poetry very much, he even wrote a little poetry himself.

Personal life

The great artist’s beloved was his model Margherita Luti, who received the nickname Fornarina.

The girl can be seen in two of his paintings “Donna Velata” and “Fornarina”, and he painted her figure when painting stanzas with frescoes.

Fornarina's father was a baker, they lived in Rome. When young Rafael arrived here, he met Fornarina completely by chance and immediately fell in love. For 3,000 gold pieces, he bought the girl from her father and took her to a villa specially rented for her.

Until the artist’s death, Fornarina was his model and the main love of his life; they lived together for almost 12 years, although it cannot be said that the young woman remained faithful to her Raphael. When Santi was painting the villa for the banker Agostino Chigi, Fornarina began an affair with the owner. She was also often not averse to having fun with Raphael's students.

About this beautiful story love was painted by the French artist Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, it is called “Raphael and Fornarina”.

Accurate further fate Fornarina after Raphael's death is unknown. There are two versions. According to one, she received a decent fortune under a will, led a dissolute life and became the most famous courtesan in Rome. According to the second version, she was tonsured a nun, where she soon died.

Death of an Artist

It is not known for certain why Rafael Santi died. Some sources claim that he felt ill after a stormy night in bed with Fornarina. Modern researchers of his life have suggested that the artist visited the excavations and fell ill with Roman fever there, which led to his death.

Santi died on April 6, 1520, barely reaching the age of 37. His body was buried in the Pantheon, the tomb was made with the epitaph: “The great Raphael rested here; during his life nature was afraid of being defeated, and after his death she was afraid to die.”

There is a crater on the planet Mercury that is named after the great Italian Raphael Santi.

Raphael Santi was born in the city of Urbino in 1483, on April 6. His interest in painting began quite early. His father Giovanni Santi worked as a court painter for the Duke of Urbino, Federigo da Montefeltro. During the time that Raphael was with his father, he had the opportunity to study the basics of painting. At the age of 8, Rafael lost his mother, and at 11, his father. Thanks to the care of the stepmother and a sufficient amount Money, which remained after the death of his father, the master never fought for his worthy existence. In addition, he was friends with the Italian masters of that time. Through these connections, Rafael was able to become quite successful in his career quite early on.

His father, while he was still alive, apparently managed to provide training for the young master. In 1500, Raphael became a student of Pietro Perugino, who was a successful artist in the city of Perugia. Within four years, Raphael had mastered Perugino's technique so well that it became almost impossible to distinguish between their works. By December of the same year, Raphael had earned the title of master from some quarters. His first known work was an altarpiece for a church that was halfway between the city of his birth and Perugia. He was assisted by his senior comrade Evangelista Pian di Meleto. The artist worked on many other projects with Raphael's father. The young master continued to work as an assistant to Perugino until he moved to Florence.

In Florence it became obvious to him that his style needed some changes, given the latest innovative styles of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. However, the artist who influenced him greatest influence, undoubtedly remained the same. His influence can be seen in Raphael's painting The Sistine Madonna. However, although he adopted the styles of various masters of the time, he continued to use his own unique style. A work in which one could already see more of the style characteristic of Raphael - “The Beautiful Gardener” (La Belle Jardinire) or “Madonna and Child with John the Baptist,” as it is also called.

In 1508, Raphael moved to work for the Vatican in Rome. He lived the rest of his life here. His influential family connections also played a huge role in his invitation to the Vatican. With the assistance of his uncle Donato Bramante (a famous architect and painter of the time), Rafael Santi became the official artist of the papal court. He, at the invitation of Pope Julius II, arrives to fulfill the order of frescoing the Stanza della Segnatura, first before Michelangelo, who receives an official invitation a few months later. Raphael's first commissioned work in Rome was his largest and highest paying commission ever. He was to paint frescoes in what was to become the library of Julius II in the Vatican Palace. There were already similar works in different rooms, but they were mostly painted over, as they were commissioned by the predecessor and worst enemy of Pope Julius II, Rodrigo Borgia, Pope Alexander VI. The works of Raphael in this room were one of best works artist. These include Parnassus, School of Athens, Disputa, Virtues and Law.

In order to paint these famous works, he had to paint over some other works. However, Pope Julius II decided that these works were less important. After completing the work in the first room, Pope Julius II was very impressed and decided to commission the artist to paint in another room for further work. The second room in which Raphael worked is called Stanza d'Eliodoro. In this room, Raphael mainly focuses on God's protection of human activity. The influence of Michelangelo is clearly visible in these works. However, as has been the case throughout his career, the artist manages to use his own style, while still using many techniques from other masters. At one time, Michelangelo was quite irritated by Raphael's unique skill in quickly adopting the techniques of other artists. He even accused the artist of plagiarism.

While Raphael was working on the second hall, Pope Julius II died. However, this did not affect his work in any way. The next Pope Leo X was also delighted with Raphael's skill and supported the continuation of the painting. In addition, his complex network of friends played a significant role in providing the artist with orders, in such quantities that he would probably never be left without work. Rafael Santi continued to work on the project, but played a smaller role in it. To complete it, he began to send a team of his assistants. His large and complex works for him, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo came to define the century in which they lived.

At the end of his life, Raphael continued to receive a salary from the Vatican. However, he also received numerous other orders. His most notable projects outside the Vatican are a series of altarpieces and Roman Madonnas. These works demonstrate an evolution in Raphael's style. In fact, he continued to develop until his death. In addition, he made a series of portraits. Among them are portraits of Pope Julius II and his successor.

His studio has been described as one of the largest ever owned by a craftsman. Undoubtedly, he adopted much of the experience of running a workshop from his father. Unlike the workshop organized by Michelangelo, Raphael's workshop worked more quickly and productively.

The artist managed not only to organize a whole subcontract of craftsmen and their assistants, but also to maintain good working relationships with all of them. His workshop was credited with developing the talent of some of the greatest masters of the time.

When Bramante died, Raphael was appointed chief architect of St. Peter's Basilica. In 1515 he also received the position of chief custodian of antiquities. Most of his works were subsequently demolished as they were, to some extent, gloomy. However, some of his works as an architect are still preserved in Rome.

Raphael often drew pictures, sometimes using a silver tip. A drawing made in this way is initially bluish-gray in color. Gradually, after oxidation, it acquires a brownish tint. As can be seen from his numerous drawings, he was a very innovative artist. Raphael never made copies of his works, but willingly collaborated with other artists and allowed them to use his sketches to create engravings.

The artist has never been married. For some time he was infatuated with Margherita Luti (Fornarina - baker), the daughter of a rich baker.

According to one version, numerous noisy games with his mistresses led to his premature death at thirty-seven years old. But still, this version is the subject of serious controversy. According to another version, he fell ill after having sex with Fornarina. But if we take into account the large amount of work that the artist performed, the morals of those times, the general state of health of the population of that century and the fact that then people generally did not live long, we can assume that all this together, in general, could have caused Raphael’s early death. In any case, after so many hundreds of years since his death, one can now only speculate about its cause, since some biographical facts remain unknown, and instead of them many conjectures, rumors, fantasies and conjectures have appeared. The artist bequeathed his considerable fortune to Margarita Luti, friends and students. After his death, Raphael was buried in the Pantheon, at his own request.

Without a doubt, Raphael is one of the leading artists of the Renaissance. Together with Titian, Donatello, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Shakespeare, and a small group of contemporaries, Raphael became the center of a movement of artistic figures who enriched not only Western but also world culture with their masterpieces.

"Sistine Madonna". The painting measures 196 cm x 265 cm and was done in oil on canvas in 1514. Located in the Old Masters Gallery, Dresden, Germany.

“The Beautiful Gardener” (Madonna with Child and John the Baptist), measuring 80 cm. 122 cm. Made in oil on panel around 1507. Located in the Louvre, Paris.

"Madonna and the Goldfinch." The painting measures 77 cm x 107 cm and was done in oil on panel in 1506. Located in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy.

"Madonna in Green" (Belvedere Madonna). The painting measures 88 cm x 113 cm and was done in oil on panel in 1506. Located in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria.

"Madonna Conestabile". The painting measures 18 cm x 17.5 cm, made in oil in 1504, transferred from wood to canvas. Located in the State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg.

"Madonna in a Chair" The painting measures 71 cm x 71 cm and was done in oil in 1514. Located in Palazzo Pitti, Florence, Italy.

"Madonna Granduca" The painting measures 55.9 cm x 84.4 cm and was done in oil on panel in 1504. Located in the Palatine Gallery of Palazzo Pitti, Florence.

"Madonna Alba". The painting is in the form of a tondo, measuring 94.5 cm x 94.5 cm, painted in 1511, and transferred in oil to canvas. Is in National Gallery art, in Washington, USA.

"Madonna Tempi" The painting measures 51 cm x 75 cm and was done in oil on panel in 1507. Is in art gallery"Alte Pinakothek", in Munich, Germany.

"Madonna Foligno". The painting measures 194 cm x 320 cm, made in 1512, transferred in oil to canvas. Located in the Vatican Pinacoteca.

"Three Graces". The painting measures 17 cm x 17 cm and was done in oil on panel in 1504. Located in the Condé Museum, Chantilly, France.

"Cardinal Bibbiena". The portrait measures 76 cm x 107 cm, painted in oil on panel, around 1516, located in Palazzo Pitti.

The portrait of Baldassare Castiglione (Count of Novilara, Italian writer) measures 67 cm x 82 cm, executed in oil on panel around 1515, now in the Louvre, Paris.

"Lady with a Unicorn" The portrait of a woman measures 61 cm x 65 cm, executed in oil on panel around 1506, located in the Galleria Borghese, Rome.

"Julius II". The portrait of the 216th Pope Giuliano della Rovere measures 81 cm x 108 cm, executed in oil on panel in 1511, located in the London National Gallery, Great Britain.

"Fornarina". The portrait presumably depicts Raphael's beloved woman. Its size is 60 cm x 85 cm. It was painted in oil on panel in 1519. Located in Palazzo Barberini, Rome.

"The School of Athens". The fresco measuring 770 cm x 500 cm was painted in 1511 in Stanza della Segnatura, in the Vatican Palace ( Apostolic Palace in the Vatican).

"Parnassus". The fresco, 670 cm wide, was painted in 1511 in the Stanza della Segnatura, in the Vatican Palace.

"Disputation". The fresco measures 770 cm x 500 cm, painted in 1510 in Stanza della Segnatura.

"Virtues and Law". The fresco is 660 cm wide and was painted between 1508 and 1511. in Stanza della Segnatura.

Italy gave the world a huge number of great artists, architects, and graphic artists. Among them, Rafael Santi shines brightly. Famous modern world the architect and artist left a rich legacy that surprises and delights true art connoisseurs.

Biography

Various sources claim that Raphael was born on March 26 or 28, 1483. According to others, April 6 is the artist’s birthday and death. Who to believe? Decide for yourself. Only the city where Rafael Santi was born is known: Urbino.

Childhood was darkened by the death of Margie Charla, the mother of the future artist. The father, Giovanni Santi, had to leave for his wife in 1894.

The first years of Rafael Santi's life left bright strokes on the boy's consciousness and his preferences. The reason for this influence of the surrounding world was the birth into the family of a court artist who worked under the Duke of Urbino. Here the young artist managed to take his first creative steps. The earliest work of the master of painting is considered to be the fresco “Madonna and Child,” which was kept in the house-museum for many years.

The results of creative research, independent search there is little way left. Among the first were works by Raphael Santi for the church of Sant'Agostino, located in Città di Castello:

"Glantern with the image of the Holy Trinity" (circa 1499-1500)
image for the altar “Coronation of St. Nicholas of Tolentino" (1500-1501)

1501 The young artist decides to continue his studies with Pietro Perugino, who lived and worked in Perugia. The influence of the master made adjustments to the work of Raphael Santi.

This period of Santi is filled with visits to Urbino, Città di Castello, and accompanying the teacher to Siena.

1504 There was an acquaintance with Baldassar Castiglione, which was followed by a move to Florence, where Raphael Santi lived for several years. Having met Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and other great Italian artists of this period, Santi gets acquainted with the techniques of recognized geniuses, learns, absorbing knowledge and skills like a sponge. The young artist’s thoughts were absorbed in his studies and work on new paintings.

Rafael Santi's drawings were not completely absorbing. Architecture became my second passion. The artist learned a lot from his mentors, who happily shared their experience and knowledge. Rafael Santi's achievements surprised them.

Later he was introduced to Bramante. Gradually acquiring acquaintances with outstanding people, the artist-architect improves his technique, and his popularity gradually grows.

Eleven months later, Santi decides to change his situation and moves to Rome. With the help of Bramante, the young creator manages to take the place of the official artist of the Pope's palace.

Italian artists did not stop at one type of art. Perhaps it was they who translated the postulate into reality: truly talented people will show off their talents in various fields. Raphael spent a lot of time engaged in poetic research, creating sonnets dedicated to his lovers.

Rafael Santi's biography includes marriage. At 31, the famous artist fell in love with the daughter of a baker, so he proposed marriage. The girl agreed, becoming a faithful wife until the artist’s death.

According to researchers, Raphael was interested in the architecture of the past. While excavating in Rome, the architect-researcher contracted a special type of Roman fever, which caused his death on April 6, 1520. The disease took away the 37-year-old genius, who during his short existence managed to leave a deep mark in various fields of art. Raphael's tomb was decorated with the epitaph:

“Here lies the great Raphael, during his life nature was afraid of being defeated, and after his death she was afraid to die.”

Creation

The master created his first works to order for churches in 1499-1501. Peruge actually inspired the young artist to write on religious themes, creating altar paintings and small canvases. But most of all, Rafael Santi was inspired by the image of Madonna.

Paintings with Madonna are the main line of the artist’s work. They are presented at all stages of existence, revealing to the viewer the soul of the creator. All works, despite the unity of the plot, are individual.

By his twenty-second birthday, the artist Rafael Santi becomes popular. The young artist is approached to create images of saints, such as “St. Catherine of Alexandria" and others.

Rafael Santi: the most famous paintings

“Sistine Madonna”, combining the unity of the mortal body, the Holy Spirit, birth, atonement of sins.

Raphael Santi - Sistine Madonna

"Three Graces". Depicts Love, Beauty and Innocence holding the apples of the Hesperides, embodying beauty with the ability to save the world.

Rafael Santi - The Three Graces

“Madonna Conestabile” is an image filled with tenderness, pure spirituality, lyricism, harmony, and love.

Rafael Santi - Madonna Conestabile

“The School of Athens” is a canvas that brings together the images of famous philosophers and teachers of Greek culture. The artist amazed his contemporaries and descendants with his painting.

Raphael Santi – School of Athens

"Self-portrait". This is how Raphael saw himself (1506).

Rafael Santi - Self-Portrait

“The Lady with the Unicorn” glorifies the beauty and miracle of the purity of spirit and body.

Rafael Santi - Lady with a Unicorn

"Transfiguration". The last masterpiece, an unfinished canvas, begun by the master shortly before his death. This painting stood at the head of the genius at the funeral.

Rafael Santi - Transfiguration

"Beautiful gardener." A charming image of the Madonna taking care of the world, like a good gardener takes care of an orchard.

Rafael Santi - The Beautiful Gardener

"Donna Velata" A tender image of a wife who lived with Raphael until death and went to a monastery to remain faithful to her husband.

Rafael Santi - Donna Velata

Rafael Santi - The Betrothal of the Virgin Mary

“Madonna in an Armchair”, personifying beauty, purity of soul, and the joy of motherhood.

Rafael Santi - Madonna in a Chair

Rafael Santi - Madonna in Greenery

"Madonna with the Veil." A gentle, peaceful image that points to family values, which are the main treasures given to people by the Creator.

Rafael Santi - Madonna with a Veil

“The Knight’s Dream” is an image that embodies the eternal choice between pleasure and virtue.

Rafael Santi - A Knight's Dream

“Madonna Alba”, which has long belonged to the Spanish family of the same name and embodies the unity of soul, body and Spirit, knowledge of the future path, and readiness to follow it.

Rafael Santi - Madonna Alba Category

Italian Renaissance artist, brilliant graphic artist and master architectural solutions, Rafael Santi absorbed the experience of the Umbrian school of painting. His paintings, like a mirror, reflected the ideals of the Renaissance. The world became kinder and purer when the eyes of Raphael's Madonnas looked at it - Sistine, Conestabile, Pasadena, Orleans.

Childhood and youth

The painter was born in the spring of 1483 in the town of Urbino with a population of 15,000 in eastern Italy. Father Giovanni dei Santi worked as a court artist for the Duke, and Margie's mother Charla raised her son and ran the household. Rafael's family had the means to pay for a wet nurse, but Giovanni insisted that his wife feed the baby herself. As a child, Rafael Santi showed a talent for painting. The father noticed this when he took the boy to the castle, where masters who masterfully wielded the brush worked - the Duke welcomed art, highlighting artists.

Paolo Uccello, Luca Signorelli are the names of painters known to every Italian. The masters painted portraits of the Duke and his relatives and painted the palace walls. The eyes of young Raphael closely watched the masters’ brushes. Soon Santi realized that his son would leave both him and Uccello and Signorelli in the shadows. Rafael Santi was orphaned early: as soon as he was 8 years old, his mother died. Care itself dear person left a mark on the artist’s creative biography. His Madonnas and portraits of his beloved women seem to glow with maternal love, which the artist did not receive in childhood.

Soon Bernardina's stepmother appeared in the house, for whom her husband's son was someone else's child. At 12, the artist was left an orphan. Even then, the teenager demonstrated amazing skill, and he was assigned to the workshop of the artist Pietro Perugino. The painter taught the boy until sophisticated experts could no longer distinguish copies of Raphael from paintings by Perugino. Santi, like a sponge, absorbed the experience of teachers and left all the students behind, while not being arrogant and being friends with them.

Painting

In 1504, 21-year-old Raphael Santi found himself in Florence: the young painter moved to the cradle of the Renaissance following Perugino. The move had a beneficial effect on the young man’s career and skill - the teacher introduced Raphael to famous painters, sculptors and architects. In the city on the banks of the Arno, Santi met. We know about the lost painting of the brilliant Leonardo “Leda and the Swan” thanks to a copy by Raphael Santi. The artist’s Florentine period gave the world 20 Raphaelian Madonnas and Children, in which Santi invested all his longing for his mother.

The year of his move to Florence was marked by the writing of several early masterpieces by Raphael. The painting “The Betrothal of the Virgin Mary” and the painting “The Dream of a Knight” date back to 1504. “Madonna Conestabile” and “The Three Graces” appeared in Florence. On the last canvas, which is now kept in the museum French city Chantilly, the goddesses Innocence, Beauty and Love are depicted holding golden balls in their hands - symbols of perfection. In the early paintings of Rafael Santi, the influence of the teacher can be traced, but after 2-3 years the artist demonstrates his own style.

Since 1508, the painter has lived in Rome, where he received an invitation from Pope Julius II. Having heard about the young man, the priest invited Santi to paint the stanzas - the ceremonial rooms of the Vatican Palace. Having seen the sketch of Raphael's fresco, Julius II was so delighted that he gave all the surfaces to the painter, ordering the old drawings to be removed. From 1509 Rafael Santi would remain in Eternal City, painting the dances, until the day of death. Raphael's Stanzas are four halls measuring 6 by 9 meters, each of which has four fresco compositions. The artist was helped by his students; one fresco was completed after the painter’s death according to his sketches.

The most famous stanza is the fresco “The School of Athens” (the second name is “Philosophical Conversations”). On it, Rafael Santi placed 50 figures of philosophers, in whose appearance the faces of artists and thinkers of Italy are recognizable (written with da Vinci, similar to). Pope Leo X, who took the place of the deceased Julius II, appointed Santi chief architect and custodian of valuables in 1514. Raphael built St. Peter's Basilica, making changes to the original plan of his deceased predecessor Donato Bramante, and made a census of monuments Ancient Rome. The genius of the master belongs to the Church of Sant'Eligio degli Orefici, the Chigi Chapel, and the Vidoni-Caffarelli Palace.

In Rome, Rafael Santi continued the gallery of Madonnas, bringing the number of paintings to 42. They are just as touching, and the charm of motherhood shines through in the eyes, hands, and every line of clothing. But in the Roman gallery of Madonnas and Children, the artist’s signature and individuality are already visible. The women's faces are sensual, there is concern for the child in their eyes. Landscape compositions in the background become more complex, introducing shades of meaning into the picture.

Art critics point to the Quattrocento style prevailing in early images of Madonnas: the figures are frontal and constrained, the faces are solemnly abstract, the gaze is calm. The Quattrocento is eroded by sensuality in the Florentine period, and the Roman Madonnas are painted in the emerging Baroque style.

In the master's house in Urbino, which is now called the "House-Museum of Raphael Santi", the artist's early work "Madonna of the House of Santi" is exhibited. Art historians are not sure that the canvas was painted by Raphael: there is an opinion that it belongs to the brush of his father, who depicted his wife and little son. In the painting, the Madonna’s profile is turned to the viewer, her eyes are fixed on the book, her hands gently touch her son. The work dates back to 1498. The most mysterious is called the Granduca Madonna, an early work by Raphael dating back to 1505. It is kept in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.

From an X-ray of the painting, scientists determined that the top layer was applied a century after Rafael Santi painted the painting. Art historians agree that the artist Carlo Dolci, the owner of the canvas, painted a dark background because he considered it appropriate for religious rites. "Madonna Granduca" is in the gallery of Florence.

“Madonna Conestabile” is an early work of the 20-year-old artist, painted in Umbria in 1502-04. This is an unfinished miniature, which Raphael did not have time to complete due to his move to Florence. Its second title is “Madonna with a Book.” The Mother of God sadly looks at the smiling baby, who has taken a book (presumably the Holy Scriptures) with his hand.

Personal life

The artist’s talent was appreciated during his lifetime: the patrons, not wanting the master to be lured away by the French, paid him generously for his work. Raphael had a mansion in the antique style, built according to his own design. Merchants and dukes dreamed of marrying their daughter to a famous painter, but the subtle connoisseur of female beauty held firm. Cardinal Bibbiena, who wanted to become related to Santi, achieved Raphael's engagement to his niece, but the maestro refused at the last moment.

The woman who was able to win the heart of 30-year-old Rafael was the baker’s daughter, whom Santi nicknamed “Fornarina” (bun, crumpet). The artist saw 17-year-old Margarita Luti in the Chigi garden, where he was working on the images of Cupid and Psyche. Rafael Santi paid the baker 50 gold so that his daughter would pose for him, and he was so carried away by the young beauty that he bought it from his father for 3 thousand coins.

For six years Margarita was the artist’s muse, inspiring masterpieces. After the death of Raphael, “Fornarina”, having inherited a house and contents, abandoned everything and went to a monastery. In the records of the monastery, Margarita is listed as the painter's widow.

Death

The cause of the artist's death is unknown. According to Raphael's contemporary, the painter and writer Vasari, the death of the 37-year-old maestro was the result of debauchery. After a stormy night, Santi returned home and complained of feeling unwell. The doctor performed bloodletting, which worsened the patient’s condition, and he died. The second version talks about a cold that Raphael caught in the burial galleries, where he participated in excavations.

The artist died on April 6, 1520. The final resting place was a tomb in the Roman Pantheon. An epitaph is engraved on the slab covering the remains: “Here lies the great Raphael, during whose life nature was afraid of being defeated, and after his death she was afraid to die.”

Works

1504 – “Betrothal of the Virgin Mary”
1504-1505 – “The Three Graces”
1506 – “Madonna in Greenery”
1506 – “Portrait of Agnolo Doni”
1506 – “Madonna with the Goldfinch”
1506 – “Portrait of a Lady with a Unicorn”
1507 – “The Beautiful Gardener”
1508 – “Great Madonna of Cowper”
1508 – “Madonna of Esterhazy”
1509 – “The School of Athens”
1510-1511 – “Dispute”
1511 – “Madonna Alba”
1511-1512 – “Expulsion of Heliodorus from the Temple”
1514 – “Meeting of Pope Leo I and Attila”
1513-1514 – “Sistine Madonna”
1518-1519 – “Portrait of a Young Woman” (“Fornarina”)
1518-1520 – “Transfiguration”

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