Giovanni Santi: Life and Legacy Giovanni Santi (c.1435 – 1494) was an Italian painter, decorator, and poet of the Early Renaissance period. He is primarily remembered today as the father of the renowned High Renaissance master, Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino). However, Santi was a respected artist in his own right, contributing significantly to the artistic landscape of the Duchy of Urbino. Early Life and Training Born in Colbordolo, near Urbino, Italy, Giovanni Santi initially pursued a career as a petty merchant. He later turned towards art, studying under the influential painter Pi…