Raphael or Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino was an Italian painter and architect. He is considered one of the most important artists of the Italian High Renaissance. He became famous for his harmonious compositions and lovely paintings of the Madonna.

Raphael was born in Urbino, Italy, in 1483. He was the child of the painter Giovanni Santi and his talent was recognized early on, beginning his artistic career with the Baronci altarpiece. His early masterpieces show the influence of his teacher Perugino. In Florence, he competed with other Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. His Madonna paintings were highly valued here. He later worked in Rome, where he received papal commissions, but also created secular works and became master builder of the new St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

He never married, but was known for his numerous relationships. For a long time, he was engaged to Maria da Bibbiena, the niece of a cardinal. He immortalized his later lover Margarita Luti, the daughter of a baker, in several works. She is said to have lived in his house in Rome until his death. He died in 1520 at the age of only 37.

His painting style is characterized by harmony, balance and elegance. His works reflect the ideals of the Renaissance and show a masterful command of color and form. One of his most striking characteristics is the use of light and shadow to create depth and realism.

His motifs included religious themes, portraits, images of the Madonna and mythological scenes. He combined technical perfection with emotional expressiveness, which makes his works timeless.

His most famous works include the 'Sistine Madonna', which is considered the pinnacle of religious art. 'The School of Athens', a fresco in the Vatican, is also an impressive work that underlines Raphael's intellectual sophistication.
And finally, his last work, 'The Transfiguration', powerfully blurs the boundaries between heaven and earth.

In his short lifetime, Raphael created over 300 paintings, drawings and frescoes. His painterly genius, coupled with a deep emotional sensitivity, made him one of the greatest artists of the Renaissance.

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