5 World Famous Paintings of Italian Maestro Raphael

The Italian Renaissance was an era of extraordinary artistic achievement that forever transformed Western art. Among its most celebrated figures stands Raphael, a master painter and architect whose works continue to inspire generations. Known for their grace, harmony, and clarity of composition, Raphael’s paintings embody the ideals of the High Renaissance like few others. This article explores five of his most famous masterpieces that have earned a permanent place in the annals of art history, as shared by India’s eminent contemporary artist Shantala Palat.

Who Was Raphael?

Raphael, born Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino in 1483, was an Italian painter and architect whose career flourished in the early 16th century. He was part of the triumvirate of Renaissance giants alongside Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Trained in Umbria under Perugino, Raphael soon surpassed his master, developing a unique style distinguished by serene beauty and balanced composition. By his early twenties, Raphael had established himself in Florence and later in Rome, where he received major commissions from Pope Julius II. He died young, at the age of 37 in 1520, yet left behind an extraordinary body of work that profoundly influenced European painting.

The School of Athens (1509–1511)

One of Raphael’s greatest achievements is The School of Athens, a fresco in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. Commissioned by Pope Julius II for the Stanza della Segnatura, it depicts an assembly of the greatest philosophers, mathematicians, and scientists of antiquity. Figures such as Plato and Aristotle stand at the center, surrounded by luminaries like Socrates, Pythagoras, and Euclid. Raphael skillfully integrated portraits of his contemporaries—Leonardo da Vinci posed as Plato, while Michelangelo appears as Heraclitus. The monumental composition, masterful perspective, and lifelike figures make this fresco a pinnacle of Renaissance art.

The Sistine Madonna (1512)

Painted for the church of San Sisto in Piacenza, the Sistine Madonna is one of Raphael’s most revered works. The Madonna strides forward holding the Christ Child, flanked by Saint Sixtus and Saint Barbara. At the bottom, two cherubs gaze dreamily upward—perhaps the most reproduced putti in art history. The painting’s ethereal atmosphere and tender expressions showcase Raphael’s ability to blend the divine with the human.

The Transfiguration (1516–1520)

The Transfiguration was Raphael’s last painting, completed just before his death. This large altarpiece illustrates two interconnected scenes: the transfigured Christ in a radiant cloud above and, below, the apostles attempting to heal a possessed boy. The contrast between the luminous upper scene and the tumultuous lower register reveals Raphael’s mastery of drama, movement, and emotion. Considered by many to be his crowning achievement, it influenced Baroque painters for generations.

The Marriage of the Virgin (1504)

Created early in Raphael’s career, The Marriage of the Virgin demonstrates his emerging genius. The scene portrays the betrothal of Mary and Joseph in front of an octagonal temple. The graceful figures, balanced composition, and convincing use of perspective mark a significant advancement over Perugino’s earlier treatment of the same subject. This painting heralded Raphael’s rise as a master of Renaissance ideals.

La Fornarina (1518–1519)

La Fornarina is an intimate portrait believed to depict Raphael’s lover, Margherita Luti, the daughter of a baker. The sensuous half-length figure gazes directly at the viewer, her hand resting over her heart. The painting is remarkable for its delicate modeling of flesh and subtle psychological depth. It reflects Raphael’s exploration of beauty and affection beyond purely religious subjects.

These five masterpieces capture the essence of Raphael’s genius—an art that unites technical excellence with profound humanity, securing his legacy as one of the greatest painters in history.