Of all Raphael's paintings, School of Athens (1511) is the most famous; it hangs in the Apostolic Palace, Vatican City. Close behind come The Sistine Madonna (1513) and The Transfiguration (1520). Among the 608 works by Raphael in our catalogue, these 100 are the most celebrated, each shown with its date, its museum and its story.
Ranked by our popularity score, which combines the searches, visits and orders for each work. Updated November 2026. Each painting on this page can be ordered as an oil reproduction painted by hand on linen canvas, or as a fine art print, made to the size you choose.
Raphael’s “School of Athens” is more than just a painting; it's an architectural embodiment of human thought, a vibrant testament to the enduring power of philosophy and reason. Completed between 1509 and 1511 as part of Pope Julius II’s ambitious decoration of the Stanza della Segnatura within the Vatican Palace, this fresco immediately establishes itself as a cornerstone of High Renaissance art. It depicts a gathering of the greatest Greek…
Introduction Raphael, also known as Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, was a renowned Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance. He is considered one of the greatest painters in history, alongside Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Raphael's works are admired for their clarity of form, ease of composition, and visual achievement of the Neoplatonic ideal of human grandeur. The Painting The Sistine Madonna is an oil painting by Raphael, created…
A Divine Revelation in Paint Raphael’s “The Transfiguration,” completed in 1520, stands as a monumental achievement of the High Renaissance, encapsulating both artistic mastery and profound spiritual contemplation. This dramatic composition isn't merely a depiction of a biblical event; it’s a powerful exploration of faith, divinity, and humanity’s response to the sublime. The Narrative Unfolds The painting portrays the Transfiguration of Christ on Mount Tabor, as recounted in the Gospels.…
Raphael's "Marriage of the Virgin" is a quintessential High Renaissance masterpiece that captures the essence of classical beauty and harmony. This exquisite painting, created in 1504, exemplifies Raphael's mastery of composition, perspective, and color, making it a sought-after piece for art enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Introduction La Fornarina is a painting that has captivated art lovers for centuries. Created by the Italian master Raphael, this oil on wood painting is a true masterpiece of the Renaissance period. The subject of the painting is believed to be Margherita Luti, Raphael's Roman lover who refused to marry him. However, some art historians argue that the painting is not a portrait of a specific woman but rather an…
The air feels still within this lush, verdant landscape, as if the world has paused to witness a quiet miracle. At the heart of the composition, the Virgin Mary sits with a grace that anchors the entire scene. She is draped in a deep blue mantle that flows around her like a calm sea, layered over a tunic of striking red. Her gaze, heavy with maternal affection, drifts downward toward…
Subject and Composition This exquisite Renaissance masterpiece captures the serene and divine presence of the Madonna with Child, a timeless symbol of maternal love and spiritual grace. The composition is carefully balanced, with the Madonna gently cradling the infant Jesus, both figures radiating calmness and tenderness. Surrounding them are subtle yet meaningful details that evoke a sense of sacred intimacy, inviting viewers into a moment of divine connection and human…
Raphael’s “The Three Graces,” painted around 1504, is more than just a beautiful depiction of mythological figures; it's a testament to the High Renaissance ideal of harmony, grace, and classical beauty. This intimate oil on panel artwork, measuring a mere 17 x 17 cm and currently residing in the Musée Condé at Chantilly, France, encapsulates Raphael’s mastery of form and composition within a remarkably small space.
A Renaissance Enigma: Unveiling Raphael’s *Lady with a Unicorn* This captivating portrait by Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino), painted around 1506, offers a glimpse into the artistic and intellectual currents of the High Renaissance. Housed in the prestigious Galleria Borghese in Rome, *Lady with a Unicorn* is more than just a beautiful image; it’s a testament to Raphael's skill, a puzzle of evolving symbolism, and a reflection of the era’s…
Pope Leo X with two cardinals is a portrait executed by the Italian High Renaissance master Raphael. Also known as Portrait of Pope Leo X with the cardinals Giulio de' Medici e Luigi de' Rossi, the work was created around 1518-1519. It captures a specific moment of papal assembly, centering on the figure of Pope Leo X.
Raphael’s “Portrait of Baldassare Castiglione” is more than simply a depiction of an Italian courtier; it's a meticulously crafted embodiment of the High Renaissance ideal – a testament…
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St Michael and the Satan is an oil on wood painting by the artist Raphael. The work depicts the archangel Michael in the act of vanquishing Satan. This…
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The Alba Madonna, executed by Raphael, is a tondo oil on wood transferred to canvas. Created c. 1510, the work was commissioned by Paolo Giovio. The composition centers…
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St. George and the Dragon by Raphael Raphael’s “Saint George and the Dragon,” completed between 1504 and 1506 during his Florentine period, stands as an emblem of Renaissance…
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Step closer to observe the quiet strength within this panel. Painted around 1499 to 1502, this work captures the precise moment of the Resurrection. Christ emerges from an…
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The Madonna of Foligno: A Symphony of Light and Grace The *Madonna of Foligno*, painted by Raphael between 1511 and 1512, stands as an enduring testament to the…
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Created between 1503 and 1505 during a formative period in Florence, this oil on panel work captures a moment of intense spiritual combat. The Archangel Michael, depicted as…
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The Madonna of the Pinks (La Madonna dei Garofani) is an early devotional painting by Raphael. Completed around 1505–1506, the work captures a quiet moment of maternal intimacy.…
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In the hallowed halls of the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna, there exists a masterpiece that does not merely depict a scene, but orchestrates a celestial melody. Raphael’s “St.…
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Subject and Composition of St. George The artwork, "St. George," painted by Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino), depicts the iconic Christian martyr Saint George slaying a dragon. The…
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In the quiet corridors of the Museo del Prado, there exists a window into one of the most emotionally charged moments in Christian iconography. Raphael’s Christ Falls on…
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A Vision of Faith and Grace: Raphael’s St. Catherine Raphael’s *St. Catherine*, painted around 1507 during his Florentine period, is a captivating embodiment of High Renaissance ideals –…
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Raphael’s “Portrait of Maddalena Doni,” painted around 1506, is more than just a depiction of a young woman; it's a window into the heart of the Italian Renaissance…
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In the profound stillness of Self-Portrait with a Friend, we are invited into a private moment frozen in time by the Flemish master Raphael Coxcie. Created around 1519,…
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Raphael's "Portrait of Bindo Altoviti" is a quintessential example of High Renaissance artistry, capturing the essence of its subject with unparalleled grace and precision. This exquisite portrait, created…
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A Masterpiece of Renaissance Tenderness Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of this iconic Madonna and Child painting by Raphael, a pinnacle of High Renaissance artistry. This exquisite…
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A Timeless Tale of Heroism Raphael's "St. George and the Dragon" captures the quintessential medieval legend of chivalry and valor. The artwork portrays St. George, a paragon of…
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Raphael's "The Transfiguration" is a breathtaking embodiment of the High Renaissance, capturing the divine revelation of Jesus Christ in a composition that seamlessly blends celestial glory and human…
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Exquisite Depiction of Divine Serenity Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of this masterful Renaissance painting, where the sacred and natural worlds harmoniously converge. The scene captures the…
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Exquisite Depiction of Divine Maternal Love This masterful reproduction captures the tender intimacy between the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus, a timeless theme that resonates deeply with…
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Raphael’s “Marriage of the Virgin,” completed in 1504 for San Francesco Church in Città di Castello, Umbria, stands as a cornerstone of High Renaissance art—a testament to humanist…
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A Renaissance Masterpiece: Intimacy & Divinity in Raphael’s *Madonna della Seggiola* Raphael's *Madonna della Seggiola* (also known as *Madonna della Sedia*) is a profoundly moving oil on panel…
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Painted in 1507 during Raphael’s formative years, this exquisite artwork offers a deeply moving depiction of the Madonna and Child with Saint Joseph. More than just a religious…
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A Symphony of Serenity In the heart of the High Renaissance, few works capture the profound tenderness of the divine as exquisitely as Raphael’s Canigiani Holy Family. This…
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The Small Cowper Madonna emerges from the brush of Raphael, a figure who moves through the history of the High Renaissance with a singular grace. In this intimate…
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A Renaissance Enigma: The Allure of La Fornarina In the heart of the High Renaissance, amidst the vibrant cultural ferment of Rome, Raphael created a masterpiece that continues…
Order this canvas from $178 →![Stanze Vaticane - The Fire in the Borgo (detail) [01] by Raphael](/media/artworks/images-thumb/76/f6/76f6220ba33c4e1d9790e47ace4c7148.jpg)
Introduction The Fire in the Borgo is a fresco painting created by the workshop of the Italian Renaissance artist Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio Da Urbino) between 1514 and 1517.…
A Vision of Serenity: Exploring Raphael’s *Madonna Alba* Raphael’s *Madonna Alba*, painted around 1511, is a quintessential example of High Renaissance artistry. This captivating circular oil painting –…
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A Masterpiece of Grief and Faith: Unveiling Raphael’s *The Entombment* Raphael’s *The Entombment*, also known as the *Pala Baglioni*, stands as a poignant testament to Renaissance artistry, capturing…
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In the hallowed halls of the Louvre, there exists a masterpiece that captures the very essence of cosmic conflict. Raphael’s St. Michael and the Satan is not merely…
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This exquisite detail from Raphael’s monumental fresco, “The School of Athens,” within the Stanza della Segnatura at the Vatican, encapsulates the High Renaissance's reverence for classical learning and…
Raphael’s "Self-Portrait," created around 1499 and residing in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence, is more than just a likeness; it's an intimate window into the mind of one of…
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Raphael Sanzio da Urbino's “The Veiled Woman,” painted in 1516 during the zenith of the High Renaissance, remains an enduring emblem of artistic brilliance and humanist contemplation. Currently…
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A Renaissance Ode to Beauty: Exploring Raphael’s *The Three Graces* Raphael’s *The Three Graces*, housed in the prestigious Musée Condé in Chantilly, France, is a captivating embodiment of…
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“St George Fighting the Dragon,” painted by Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio Da Urbino) in 1505, is a captivating example of High Renaissance art. This oil on panel painting, measuring…
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A Renaissance Masterpiece of Faith and Suffering Raphael’s *Crucifixion*, painted in 1502, is a profoundly moving depiction of Christ's sacrifice, embodying the ideals of the High Renaissance. Currently…
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St. Michael and Satan: A Triumph of Renaissance Faith The painting St. Michael and Satan by Raphael, a cornerstone of High Renaissance art, transcends mere visual representation; it…
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Within the quiet, sunlit halls of the Vatican, a lunette fresco breathes with the weight of ancient wisdom. The scene unfolds in a bucolic landscape where figures move…
A Glimpse of Heaven: The Cherub from Raphael’s Sistine Madonna This exquisite detail, taken from The Sistine Madonna by Renaissance master Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino), captures the…
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Painted in 1504 during Raphael’s formative years, this exquisite depiction of the Virgin Mary and Christ Child embodies the grace and harmony that define the High Renaissance. More…
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“Theological Virtues” is a remarkable series of four panels painted by the celebrated Italian artist Raphael. This work, created in 1507, exemplifies the artistic ideals of the High…
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In the hallowed corridors of art history, few images command as much immediate reverence as Raphael’s Portrait of Pope Leo X and Two Cardinals. Painted around 1518, this…
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The Portrait of Baldassare Castiglione by Raphael depicts a man with a beard and a mustache. He is shown wearing a black hat and a dark doublet featuring…
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A Renaissance Masterpiece: Unveiling Raphael’s Aldobrandini Madonna Raphael’s *Aldobrandini Madonna* (also known as *The Garvagh Madonna*), painted in 1510, is a quintessential example of High Renaissance artistry. Currently…
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Raphael’s “Parnassus,” housed within the breathtaking Stanze di Raffaello in the Vatican, isn't merely a fresco; it’s an immersive experience, a vibrant testament to the High Renaissance’s fascination…
A Vision of Serenity: Exploring Raphael’s Angel This exquisite detail from Raphael’s “Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints” (1504) offers a captivating glimpse into the heart of High…
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A Renaissance Vision of Motherhood: Raphael’s *Madonna and Child* Raphael’s *Madonna and Child*, a captivating oil on panel measuring 56 x 46 cm, is a quintessential example of…
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A City Ablaze: Unveiling Raphael’s “The Fire in the Borgo” Raphael’s *The Fire in the Borgo*, a monumental fresco within the Stanze di Raffaello at the Vatican Palace,…
Introduction Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio Da Urbino), one of the most renowned artists of the Italian Renaissance, created a masterpiece titled Madonna and Child (The Small Cowper Madonna). This…
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Raphael’s “Portrait of Pope Julius II,” painted in 1512, isn't merely a likeness; it’s a carefully constructed tableau of power, contemplation, and the burgeoning complexities of Renaissance Rome.…
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The Creation of the Animals (Loggia on the second floor, Palazzi Pontifici, Vatican) is a fresco by Raphael. Executed in 1518, the work occupies the walls of the…
In the heart of the High Renaissance, amidst the intellectual fervor of Rome, Raphael Sanzio captured a moment of profound spiritual transcendence in his 1518 masterpiece, Jacob’s Dream.…
The Esterhazy Madonna is a captivating oil on panel painting by the renowned Italian artist Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio Da Urbino), created in 1508. This artwork exemplifies the quintessence…
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The Ceiling (Stanza della Segnatura), located within the Vatican Museums and Galleries in Vatican City, Italy, stands as one of the most celebrated artworks of the High Renaissance.…
Raphael's "Disputation of the Sacrament," also known as "La Disputa," stands as a pinnacle of High Renaissance art, showcasing theological debate and divine presence within a harmonious composition.…
A Vision of Maternal Grace: Exploring Raphael’s *Madonna Terranuova* Raphael’s *Madonna Terranuova*, painted in 1505, is a quintessential example of High Renaissance artistry. This circular oil painting, also…
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Painted at the apex of the Italian Renaissance—a period marked by intellectual curiosity, artistic innovation, and humanist revival—*The Transfiguration* reflects the broader cultural landscape of its time. Raphael’s…
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A Celestial Harmony in Oil In the quietude of Raphael’s The Virgin of the Rose, one finds far more than a mere depiction of holy figures; one encounters…
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A Renaissance Ode to Love & Harmony Raphael’s “Cupid and the Three Graces” is a captivating fresco that embodies the ideals of beauty, grace, and harmonious love central…
A Renaissance Vision of Motherhood: The Terranuova Madonna Raphael’s *Terranuova Madonna*, painted in 1505, is a captivating example of High Renaissance artistry. This oil on panel, currently housed…
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The Liberation of St Peter, a breathtaking fresco painted by Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino) in 1512, stands as a pinnacle of the High Renaissance. This iconic work,…
A Masterpiece by Raphael Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio Da Urbino), one of the most renowned artists of the Italian High Renaissance, created the Madonna and Child (The Ansidei Altarpiece)…
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The "Justice" painting, part of Raphael's renowned fresco cycle adorning the ceiling of the Stanza della Segnatura in the Vatican Museums and Galleries, stands as a cornerstone of…
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Raphael’s Coronation of the Virgin, more formally known as the Oddi Altarpiece, is not merely a painting; it's an immersive journey into the heart of Renaissance faith and…
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Step closer, if you like. There is something remarkably quiet about this sitter. He sits before us in a three-quarter view, his head and shoulders emerging from a…
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The composition is a tondo, a soft circle that holds the figures in a quiet, balanced embrace. Within this curve, the Virgin Mary sits amidst a receding landscape…
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The air hangs heavy and still over a quiet landscape, where the pale, hazy sky meets the muted earth. Within this serene setting, a profound transformation unfolds. St.…
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Step closer to observe the quiet intensity of this figure. Here, we find Saint Catherine of Alexandria captured in a moment of profound spiritual ecstasy. She is positioned…
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Raphael’s La Donna Velata, “The Veiled Woman,” is more than just a portrait; it's an intimate encounter with the spirit of the High Renaissance. Painted between 1514 and…
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Raphael’s “Poetry,” also known as the "ceiling tondo" from the Stanza della Segnatura in the Vatican, stands as a testament to the High Renaissance's artistic and intellectual flourishing.…
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The Madonna del Cardellino, painted by Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio Da Urbino) in 1507, stands as a quintessential example of High Renaissance art. This captivating oil on panel painting,…
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Raphael’s Madonna dell’Impannata, painted in 1513 and currently residing within the hallowed halls of the Pitti Palace Museum in Florence, is more than just a beautiful depiction of…
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To encounter Raphael’s St Paul Preaching in Athens is to step into a moment where the temporal and the eternal collide with breathtaking grace. Painted around 1515, this…
A Vision of Maternal Grace: Exploring Raphael’s Terranuova Madonna Raphael’s *Terranuova Madonna*, painted in 1505, is a captivating example of High Renaissance artistry. This circular oil on panel,…
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Raphael’s “Madonna of the Meadow,” painted in 1506 during his formative years in Florence, isn't merely a depiction of a biblical scene; it’s an exquisitely crafted distillation of…
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A Clash of Heaven and Earth: Unveiling Raphael’s *St Michael and the Dragon* Raphael's *St Michael and the Dragon*, painted around 1504-1505, is a captivating depiction of the…
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The composition centers on the Virgin Mary, the Christ Child, and the infant Saint John the Baptist within a landscape setting. The figures are arranged in a circular…
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A Divine Dialogue: Unveiling Raphael’s *Disputa* Raphael's *Disputa*, painted between 1509 and 1510, is a cornerstone of High Renaissance art, residing within the breathtaking Stanze di Raffaello in…
Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio Da Urbino), one of the most renowned artists of the High Renaissance, left an indelible mark on the world of art with his frescoes in…
The portrait of Saint Anthony of Padua presents a serene and contemplative figure set against a minimalist background. Rendered in a classical Renaissance style, the composition features a…
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A Vision of Prophecy: Raphael’s “The Prophet Isaiah” Raphael's "The Prophet Isaiah," a breathtaking fresco painted in the early 16th century, stands as a cornerstone of High Renaissance…
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In this intimate oil on poplar panel, we encounter Young Man with an Apple, a work executed by Raphael around 1505. This piece emerged during the artist's Florentine…
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Raphael’s “School of Athens,” a cornerstone of the High Renaissance, transcends mere visual beauty; it embodies an ambitious intellectual project. Located within the Vatican Stanza della Segnatura—commissioned by…
Exquisite Portraiture of a Religious Leader This captivating painting presents a highly detailed and lifelike portrait of a cardinal, capturing the essence of spiritual authority and personal dignity.…
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Step closer to observe the movement within this composition. The Archangel Michael descends from above, his form caught in a singular moment of decisive action. There is a…
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The figure of Saint Francis stands centered against a deep, textured ultramarine blue backdrop, creating an immediate sense of isolation and focus. Clad in a light grey or…
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Raphael’s “St. John the Baptist in the Desert,” painted around 1516-17, isn’t merely a depiction of a solitary figure; it’s a profound meditation on solitude, preparation, and the…
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Raphael’s "Allegory (The Knight's Dream)," completed in 1504, is a small yet profoundly significant painting housed within the National Gallery in London. This work represents an early example…
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A young man gazes directly at the viewer, his posture possessing a quiet, poised dignity. He is positioned slightly off-center, turned toward the left while maintaining an intense,…
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Step closer to this small panel, and you will find yourself drawn into a quiet, heavy atmosphere of grief. The scene centers on the limp, pale body of…
Order this canvas from $278 →The four subjects that return most often on these canvases, each with its best-loved example.
The 8 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Raphael | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 National Gallery of Art |
Washington | 7 | St. George and the Dragon, Portrait of Bindo Altoviti, St. George and the Dragon |
 National Gallery |
London | 10 | The Madonna of the Pinks (La Madonna dei Garofani), St. Catherine, Crucifixion |
 The Louvre |
Paris | 5 | La Belle Jardiniere, St Michael and the Dragon, St George Fighting the Dragon |
 Palazzo Pitti |
Florence | 9 | Madonna della Seggiola (Sedia), The Granduca Madonna, Madonna dell'Impannata |
 Bavarian State Painting Collections |
Munich | 7 | Canigiani Holy Family, Madonna with the Veil, Archangel Michael |
 Museo del Prado |
Madrid | 6 | The Virgin of the Rose, Portrait of a Cardinal |
 Galleria Palatina |
Florence | 5 | Pope Leo X with two cardinals, Portrait of Maddalena Doni |
 Galleria degli Uffizi |
Florence | 5 | Portrait of Julius II, Young Man with an Apple |
Raphael’s "Self-Portrait," created around 1499 and residing in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence, is more than just a likeness; it's an intimate window into the mind of one of…
Raphael's "Marriage of the Virgin" is a quintessential High Renaissance masterpiece that captures the essence of classical beauty and harmony. This exquisite painting, created in 1504, exemplifies Raphael's…
Raphael’s “School of Athens” is more than just a painting; it's an architectural embodiment of human thought, a vibrant testament to the enduring power of philosophy and reason.…
A Divine Revelation in Paint Raphael’s “The Transfiguration,” completed in 1520, stands as a monumental achievement of the High Renaissance, encapsulating both artistic mastery and profound spiritual contemplation.…
School of Athens (1511), Apostolic Palace, Vatican City. The Sistine Madonna (1513) and The Transfiguration (1520) follow.
Raphael, born in 1483, was 28 years old: School of Athens dates from 1511.
School of Athens, The Sistine Madonna, The Transfiguration, Marriage of the Virgin, La Fornarina, Madonna of the Goldfinch, La Belle Jardiniere, The Three Graces, Lady with a Unicorn and Pope Leo X with two cardinals. Each canvas in the ranking above comes with its year and its museum.
608 works by Raphael are in our catalogue, dated 1499 to 1520.
Mostly in National Gallery of Art (Washington), National Gallery (London) and The Louvre (Paris); the list above names each museum and its canvases.
In 1500s, which gave 38 of the 100 works on this page, Marriage of the Virgin among them.
The earliest canvas here is Self Portrait (1499); the latest is The Transfiguration (1520).
Religious art (19), Madonna (17) and Virgin mary (13), across the 100 works on this page.
Oil On Canvas, used in 38 of the 100 works on this page.
High renaissance, as the canvases on this page show.
The National Gallery of Art, Washington holds 6 of the works on this page, among them St. George and the Dragon, Portrait of Bindo Altoviti and St. George and the Dragon.
Yes. Every painting on this page can be ordered from its own page as an oil reproduction painted by hand, or as a fine art print, in the size you choose.
Raphael, known to history by several names including Raffaello Sanzio, Raffaello Santi, and Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, was a central figure of the Italian High Renaissance. His life was defined by a dual mastery of painting and architecture, a versatility that allowed him to move seamlessly between the intimate scale of a portrait and the monumental demands of papal construction. He was born in Urbino, Italy, on April 6, 1483, into a world of intellectual and artistic activity.
His career was marked by an immense productivity that required the management of a large workshop to meet the needs of his patrons. This professional capacity was matched by a social grace that allowed him to navigate the highest circles of the papal court. He moved through the major artistic centers of Italy, eventually settling in Rome, where his influence on the physical and visual landscape of the city was profound. He was a man of significant social standing, often engaging with the political and religious leaders of his age.
The arc of his life was cut short in Rome, Papal States, Italy. He died on April 6, 1520, at the age of 37. His passing was felt deeply within the papal court, marking the end of a career that had already reshaped the standards of classical composition and architectural design. He left behind a vast body of work that remains a primary reference for the study of Renaissance ideals.
The quiet, intellectual atmosphere of Urbino provided the foundation for the young Raffaello Sanzio. He was born into a world of courtly refinement, the son of Giovanni Santi and Magia di Battista Ciarla. His father, a painter for the Duke, ensured that the boy’s early years were steeped in the humanist traditions of the Italian courts. This environment offered more than just a home; it provided a window into the advanced artistic ideas flowing through central Italy. When tragedy struck and his father passed away in 1494, the boy was only eleven. This loss forced a premature maturity upon him, as he found himself tasked with managing the family workshop.
His formal artistic education took him to the workshop of Pietro Perugino in Perugia. Under this master, he absorbed the Umbrian style, a method defined by soft modeling and serene religious scenes. The training was rigorous and effective. By the time he was recognized as an independent master around 1500, his hand already showed a certain clarity and ease. He moved through the cities of northern Italy, gathering knowledge like a traveler collecting coins, before the pull of larger artistic centers began to reshape his vision.
Upon his arrival in Florence in 1504, the young painter entered a city defined by the presence of giants. He did not merely exist alongside the works of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo; he absorbed them. His development was shaped by a careful study of their distinct approaches, alongside the influences of Fra Bartolommeo and Masaccio. This period was less a departure from his Umbrian roots and more a sophisticated synthesis of the Florentine style. He took the anatomical precision and dramatic weight of his contemporaries and integrated them into a more balanced, clear visual language.
This era saw him refine his ability to capture the human presence through both religious and secular lenses. Between 1504 and 1507, he produced a series of Madonnas that demonstrated a growing mastery of composition and emotional clarity. During these years, he also established himself as a noted portraitist, moving beyond simple likeness to capture a sense of dignity in his subjects. His work from this time reflects a transition from the gentler traditions of his apprenticeship toward the monumental clarity that would later define his career in Rome.
The summons from Pope Julius II in 1508 altered the course of Raphael's life, drawing him from the competitive atmosphere of Florence to the monumental scale of Rome. He arrived in the Eternal City not merely as a painter, but as a central figure in the visual language of the Papacy. His presence in the Vatican was marked by an immense productivity that saw him become the most favored artist in Rome. He was tasked with the decoration of the papal apartments, a responsibility that required him to balance intimate devotional subjects with grand, historical narratives. This period saw him move beyond the easel to take on significant architectural responsibilities. Following the death of Donato Bramante in 1514, he was appointed architect in charge of St. Peter's, a position that reflected the immense trust placed in his ability to organize and execute complex, large-scale projects.
His influence extended through the reigns of successive Popes, including Leo X, as he navigated the intricate social and political hierarchies of the papal court. The scale of his commissions grew alongside his reputation, requiring him to manage an unusually large workshop to meet the demands of his patrons. While his early years were defined by the pursuit of grace, his Roman years were defined by the pursuit of order and monumental grandeur. He became a fixture of the Vatican, his hand visible in the very fabric of the city's most sacred spaces.
Raphael possessed a rare capacity to synthesize the disparate innovations of his contemporaries into a singular, coherent language. He did not merely mimic the masters he encountered in Florence; instead, he distilled their strengths. From Leonardo da Vinci, he adopted the subtle gradations of sfumato, while the anatomical precision and muscularity of Michelangelo informed his understanding of the human form. This synthesis allowed him to move beyond simple imitation, creating a style defined by clarity of form and an effortless ease of composition. His figures inhabit their spaces with a natural grace, avoiding the heavy tension that sometimes characterized the works of his peers.
His aesthetic was rooted in the Neoplatonic ideal of human grandeur, seeking to represent the dignity of the individual through balanced proportions and luminous color. He utilized chiaroscuro to provide depth and volume, yet he maintained a sense of order that prevented his scenes from becoming chaotic. This equilibrium between light and shadow, between the physical and the ideal, gave his work a sense of celestial calm. Even in his most complex historical or religious arrangements, there is a perceptible sense of harmony that guides the eye through the narrative.
This pursuit of perfection was evident in his various depictions of the Madonna, where he balanced maternal warmth with a structured, geometric grace. His ability to marry the scientific observation of light with an idealized sense of beauty ensured that his compositions felt both grounded in reality and elevated by spirit. He achieved a visual stability that became a standard for the High Renaissance, focusing on the quiet strength of a well-placed glance or the precise fold of a garment to convey profound human emotion.
The scale of Raphael’s Roman career required a level of organization that moved beyond the traditional studio model. To meet the immense demands of the papal court, he managed an unusually large workshop, a bustling center of production that functioned with the precision of a small enterprise. While his own hand guided the most significant compositions, much of the physical execution of his vision fell to his assistants. These skilled pupils often produced works directly from his preparatory drawings, ensuring a consistency of style across a vast array of projects. This system allowed him to maintain a high output even as his responsibilities expanded into the realm of architecture and urban design.
His influence within the Vatican was both broad and profound. He was entrusted with a series of important commissions to decorate the papal apartments, but his authority extended far beyond the canvas. Raphael was placed in charge of all papal projects involving architecture, paintings, decoration, and the preservation of antiquities. This multifaceted role made him a central figure in the physical and aesthetic shaping of the papal residence. His design work was not limited to walls and ceilings; he also provided designs for tapestries intended for the papal court, integrating his aesthetic into the very fabric of courtly life.
The breadth of his output is perhaps best understood through his many Madonnas, works that defined the visual language of maternal grace. These paintings often displayed a human warmth and a sense of serene equilibrium that became a hallmark of his style. In Florence, his experimentation with this theme reached a significant point with La belle jardinière, completed in 1507. This work reflects the transition from his earlier Umbrian training toward the more sophisticated compositions that would later define his Roman period.
In Rome, his commissions reached a monumental scale within the Vatican. He was tasked with decorating the Stanza della Segnatura, where he created expansive fresco cycles that integrated classical philosophy with religious themes. Among these, the School of Athens remains his most famous work, a vast composition that brought together the great thinkers of antiquity into a single, harmonious space. This achievement demonstrated his ability to manage complex, large-scale narratives through precise perspective and order.
His final years were marked by an immense productivity that included his largest work on canvas, The Transfiguration, which was commissioned in 1517. This painting, which he was working on at the time of his death, represents the culmination of his technical skill and his ability to handle dramatic, large-scale subjects. His ability to balance such intense human emotion with classical structure remained a constant throughout his career.
Raphael occupied a singular position in the High Renaissance, forming a triumvirate of creative giants alongside Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. While his contemporaries often pursued divergent paths of scientific observation or muscular tension, Raphael cultivated a style of clarity and balance that became a standard for the academic tradition. This equilibrium was not merely a personal achievement but a pedagogical one, as his prolific output required a highly organized studio to sustain the demands of his papal commissions.
The management of this workshop was a central part of his professional life. His pupils were not merely assistants but were trained to uphold the specific aesthetic of his school. Among them, Giulio Romano emerged as a significant figure, often tasked with executing works from Raphael's original drawings. Romano’s own style would eventually carry the artist's influence into new directions, frequently echoing the compositions and forms established in the Vatican. This lineage ensured that the Raphael name remained synonymous with a particular brand of grace and order long after his death.
Despite his immense success, his career was shadowed by the presence of his great rival, Michelangelo. The tension between their differing approaches—one favoring harmonious proportion and the other dramatic anatomical power—defined much of the era's artistic discourse. While Raphael’s influence was profound, the weight of Michelangelo’s stylistic impact often exceeded his own in the eyes of subsequent generations, particularly through the 18th and 19th centuries. This competition between two distinct visions of human grandeur helped shape the trajectory of Western painting for centuries.
The momentum of a career that had reached the very heights of papal favor was halted with startling suddenness. On April 6, 1520, the day of his thirty-seventh birthday, Raphael died unexpectedly in Rome. His passing was felt as a profound loss within the papal court, where his influence was so deeply integrated into the fabric of religious and civic life that the Pope had intended to elevate him to the rank of Cardinal. Instead, the man who had become the visual voice of the papacy was gone before such honors could be bestowed.
At the time of his death, he was still actively engaged in his most monumental undertaking, the large-scale canvas of The Transfiguration. This work remained unfinished at the moment of his passing, a final, lingering fragment of a life defined by immense productivity. His sudden departure left the Vatican and the artistic community of Rome in a state of mourning, marking a quiet end to a period of intense creative output.
His remains were interred in the Pantheon in Rome, Italy, a site of immense historical and architectural significance. This final resting place reflected the dignity of his station and the high esteem in which he was held by the authorities of the Papal States. He left behind a vast body of work that had been executed through a highly organized workshop, ensuring that his presence in the history of the High Renaissance remained firmly established.
The physical remnants of his prolific career are scattered across the major centers of European art. In Rome, much of his most significant output remains within the Vatican Palace, where his frescoes continue to define the visual language of the papal apartments. These works, including the celebrated School of Athens, occupy the very spaces he helped decorate during his most productive years in the Eternal City.
Beyond the Vatican, his presence is felt in the great galleries of the continent. The Louvre in Paris holds several of his paintings, while the National Gallery of Art in Washington preserves his works for modern audiences. In Florence, the Galleria degli Uffizi houses many of his portraits, offering a glimpse into the faces of the Renaissance nobility he so carefully rendered. The Uffizi Gallery also contains several other significant pieces, ensuring that his influence remains anchored in the Italian tradition.
