Rafael (1483-1520) Born in Urbino, Rafael Santi became an apprentice of the famous Perugino at the age of 17. Perugino’s school specialised in well-organised peaceful compositions, devoid of any ornamental excess. In 1504 he moved to Florence, where at that time innovation in art was the subject of serious debate. Michelangelo was working there and Leonardo da Vinci had just been the centre of attention with his Mona Lisa. Rafael studied all styles and techniques and also experimented with Leonardo's famous "sfumato". He largely remained faithful to the Perugino school in compositions, avoiding too much drama and seeking equilibrium. Pope Julius II first summoned Michelangelo, and shortly afterwards, in 1508, Rafael to Rome. The latter to decorate his apartments. This commission forced the painter to gather a flock of pupils around him at a young age. After a brief but very productive and successful life, he died on his 37th birthday on Good Friday 1520.

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The Sistine Madonna (1513/1514) The two most famous angels ever painted can be found at the bottom of Rafael’s masterpiece, the Sistine Madonna, a painting he made for the high altar in San Sisto in Piacenza. Rafael was commissioned to do the painting by Pope Julius II, who is depicted in the form of the Holy Sixtus. The two rather bored-looking little angels counteract the rather melancholy expression of Mary and her child.

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