The unexpected demise of the esteemed painter Raffaello Santi on Good Friday in 1520, at the age of 37, reverberated throughout the city of Rome and the artistic circles of the time. Little did the world anticipate that his name would become legend and that the two angels on his most famous painting, the Sistine Madonna, would become his most reproduced and recognisable motif in the modern era.
Raphael’s life and career were marked by a prodigious talent that manifested at a remarkably young age. Born in Urbino, Italy, in 1483, he showcased an extraordinary aptitude for painting and drawing that eventually propelled him into the illustrious triumvirate of High Renaissance artists, alongside Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. His ability to infuse his works with harmony, equilibrium, and emotional profundity distinguished him as a master of his craft.
Among his most celebrated and revered creations stands the “Sistine Madonna.“ Painted between 1512 and 1513, this masterpiece stands as a testament to Raphael’s artistic prowess and encapsulates the very spirit of the High Renaissance. The “Sistine Madonna“ eloquently displays Raphael’s exceptional talent in capturing ethereal beauty, profound expressions, and intricate compositions. The central depiction of the Madonna and Child, flanked by the enigmatic figures of Saints Sixtus and Barbara, conjures a palpable sense of divine presence that resonates with spectators even in the present day.
Central to Raphael’s myth is his rivalry with the equally esteemed Michelangelo. The two artists, while pursuing distinct artistic visions, engaged in a friendly yet intense competition that spurred them to greater heights of creativity. Michelangelo’s powerful sculptures and bold painting style contrasted with Raphael’s finesse and elegance, making their artistic duel a defining feature of the Renaissance landscape.
Amidst the myth of Raphael, an intriguing subplot revolves around the “Sistine Madonna“ itself. This iconic painting, despite its fame, embarked on a tumultuous journey that adds to its mystique. Commissioned by Pope Julius II, the artwork eventually found its way to the Royal Gallery of Dresden in the 18th century, where it was admired by countless visitors. However, history took a disheartening turn when the painting disappeared at the end of World War II, sparking a protracted dispute over its rightful ownership.
The saga of the “Sistine Madonna“ being taken to Dresden and subsequently looted by the Soviets underscores the painting’s enduring significance and the lengths to which people were willing to go to possess it. This tale, intertwined with the broader narrative of Raphael’s myth, serves as a poignant reminder of art’s ability to transcend time and geopolitical boundaries, becoming an object of cultural intrigue and international discourse.
On this Arts Unveiled Special, we dispell the myth of Raphael, birthed from his untimely passing and nurtured by the cultural, historical, and narrative components of his age, continues to thrive across centuries.
#dwhistoryandculture #raphael #sistinemadonna
For more visit:
⮞ Follow DW Culture on Facebook:
⮞ Follow DW Culture on Twitter:
Please follow DW’s netiquette:
1 view
56
16
6 months ago 01:57:03 1
ARCHANGEL MICHAEL AND ARCHANGEL RAPHAEL: DESTROYS ALL DARK ENERGY, HEALS WHILE YOU SLEEP, RELAXES
6 months ago 04:00:15 1
Archangel Michael - Archangel Raphael - Archangel Gabriel: Pray to Receive The God’s Protection
6 months ago 03:34:14 1
Archangels St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael - Destroying All Dark Energy With Delta Waves
6 months ago 00:04:25 1
Charli XCX - 360 (Official Video)
6 months ago 00:07:34 1
Danse avec les bombes
6 months ago 00:02:29 1
Angel healing, Healing with the angels, Angel meditation, Angel healing meditation
6 months ago 00:04:47 1
IGORRR - DOWNGRADE DESERT
6 months ago 00:02:06 1
Raphael’s Final Act - Symphony of the Realms - Baldur’s Gate 3
6 months ago 00:02:10 1
Européennes : vers un référendum anti-Macron ?
6 months ago 00:00:48 9
TMNT 2012 Theme Song 🎶 ft. Side-By-Side Animatic | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #Shorts
6 months ago 00:02:34 1
The ABC song | DJ Raphi Kids Dance & Sing
6 months ago 01:59:03 1
ARCHANGEL RAPHAEL - ASK HIM TO HEAL YOUR MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT - DESTROY UNCONSCIOUS BLOCKAGES
6 months ago 01:15:23 1
DJ Hank - Deep in Melody House mix 142
6 months ago 00:17:31 1
Asselineau met en PLS: Macron, Patrick Cohen, Aymeric Caron, Lea Salame, Gilles Bouleau ... Best Of
6 months ago 01:59:02 1
ARCHANGEL RAPHAEL: ASK HIM TO HEAL YOUR WHOLE BODY, STOP OVERTHINKING, WORRY & STRESS, DEEP HEALING
6 months ago 00:31:46 1
How Emma Chamberlain’s Gothy Met Look Was Made, From Sketch to Dress | Vogue
6 months ago 01:40:41 1
Avec Ahmed Sylla dans les Pyrénées [Intégrale] - Nos terres inconnues
6 months ago 02:04:07 1
Raphaël Glucksmann – Agent de la CIA ? Ou IDIOT utile des beaux quartiers ?
6 months ago 00:02:36 1
36 Baldur’s Gate 3 Original Soundtrack - Raphael’s Final Act
6 months ago 00:03:08 1
SOFI TUKKER - Throw Some Ass (Official Music Video)
6 months ago 00:04:19 2
Enhorabuena a Raphael del programa “Corazón“ con Anne .
6 months ago 00:07:27 1
Family Life in France | Easy French 85
6 months ago 00:03:26 1
Marina Kaye - The Freedom in Goodbye (Let it Go)
6 months ago 00:10:32 1
WAR PIGS - BLACK SABBATH (Drum Cover) - ELOY CASAGRANDE