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 triumph of Galathea (± 1513) Rafael painted this fresco in the palace of the banker Agustino Chigi, later called Villa Farnesina. Rafael will no doubt have greatly pleased his principal with this sensual, even comical portrait of Galatea, the mythological fair nymph who so cruelly ended the dreams of the clumsy giant Polyphemus, son of Poseidon.

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