Summary
Find out why, for over 500 years, Raphael has been considered as the acme of artistic perfection and a profound influence on artists from Velasquez to Picasso.
Synopsis
Raphael died in Rome on Good Friday, 1520, aged only 37. The Pope, his most prestigious patron, was devastated and earth tremors were felt around the city. He was buried in the Pantheon – Rome’s most important classical building – a fitting tribute to an artist who rivalled the greatness of the Ancients. (He was also charming, handsome, clean and polite – which couldn’t be said for all Renaissance polymaths). This lecture looks at his short but astonishing career as painter, architect, administrator and superb draughtsman and considers his lasting influence on subsequent artists.
