Raphael

Raphael was an Italian painter and architect of the Renaissance. He was born in Urbino, Italy, in 1483. Along with Leonardo and Michelangelo, he is considered one of the three great masters of the Renaissance. He was famous for his beautiful, balanced compositions.

Early Life

Raphael's father was a painter who gave him his first art lessons. Raphael was orphaned at age 11. He studied with a master painter named Perugino. He quickly developed his own graceful style.

Big Achievements

Raphael painted the famous School of Athens, a huge fresco in the Vatican. He was hired by popes to decorate rooms in the Vatican Palace. His paintings of the Madonna are some of the most loved in art history. He died on his 37th birthday but left behind hundreds of masterpieces.

Fun Facts

• Raphael painted himself into The School of Athens, looking out at the viewer.
• He died on his 37th birthday, which was also Good Friday.
• He was so popular that he had a team of 50 students helping him paint.

Did You Know?

Raphael was known for being kind and well-liked, unlike the moody Michelangelo. Thousands of people came to his funeral in Rome. He is buried in the Pantheon, one of the most famous buildings in the world.