Guide to Seeing Raphael's Masterpieces in Rome, Florence and Milan
RAPHAEL'S LIFE
Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino — known simply as Raphael — lived only 37 years, yet produced some of the most celebrated artworks of the Italian Renaissance. Born in Urbino on April 6, 1483, he died on that very same date in 1520 — he is buried in the Pantheon in Rome. He is known to have revered Leonardo da Vinci, but had something of a competitive relationship with Michelangelo.
In his personal life, Raphael was close to two women — his lover Margherita Luti, who served as the model for La Fornarina, and his fiancée Maria Bibbiena, whom he never married.
The good news for art lovers: the majority of Raphael's greatest works never left Italy. His masterpieces are concentrated in Florence, Rome, and Milan — making a dedicated Raphael itinerary very achievable. Here's where to find them.
RAPHAEL'S ARTWORKS IN FLORENCE
GALLERIA DEGLI UFFIZI - Works include: Raffaello Sanzio Self-Portrait, Madonna of the Goldfinch, Ezekiel's Vision, and the portraits of Agnolo and Maddalena Doni.
PALAZZO PITTI - Madonna del Granduca.
RAPHAEL'S ARTWORKS IN MILAN
PINACOTECA DI BRERA - Marriage of the Virgin
PINACOTECA AMBROSIANA - School of Athens cartoon - a large charcoal sketch study for the famous fresco in the Vatican Museums.
RAPHAEL'S ARTWORKS IN ROME
PALAZZO BARBERINI - La Fornarina
VILLA FARNESINA - Two frescos: The Loggia of Galatea and The Story of Cupid & Psyche
GALLERIA BORGHESE - Lady with a Unicorn and The Deposition. Galleria Borghese's collection is one of the finest in all of Italy, including a galleria dedicated to Bernini's monumental kinetic sculptures. Some advise: we found hanging back as the timed group entered the museum rewarded us with less crowded galleries.
VATICAN MUSEUMS - The Raphael Rooms with the The School of Athens fresco.
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