Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio, 1483 – April 6, 1520) was an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance, widely regarded as one of the greatest artists in history. Alongside Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, he forms the trinity of Renaissance masters. Raphael is celebrated for his harmonious compositions, graceful figures, and serene Madonnas. His most famous works include The School of Athens, The Sistine Madonna, and The Transfiguration. Born in Urbino, he trained under Perugino before working in Florence and Rome. Despite his early death at 37, Raphael produced an extraordinary body of work that epitomizes the ideals of balance, clarity, and humanism. His influence on Western art is immeasurable, shaping generations of painters and architects.
