The sublime perfection of Raphael

April 5, 2026

TL;DR

Raphael's early chalk sketch, believed to be a self-portrait at age 17, showcases extraordinary technical perfection.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art hosts the first comprehensive exhibition of Raphael's work in the U.S., featuring 237 pieces.
Raphael's move to Florence at 21 led to him absorbing influences from Leonardo da Vinci, enhancing his sense of movement and storytelling.
His Madonnas and Child paintings offer an idealized vision of health and tenderness, contrasting with his realistic portraits like that of Bindo Altoviti.
Raphael worked in Rome and the Vatican, creating frescoes like "The School of Athens," where he included likenesses of himself, Leonardo, and possibly Michelangelo.
He was commissioned to design tapestries for the Sistine Chapel, meant to hang below Michelangelo's ceiling.
Raphael died at 37 on his birthday, April 6, 1520, in Rome; his tomb inscription reflects his profound impact on art.
Curator Carmen Bambach considers Raphael to be an artist of equal stature to Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

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