Raphael: A Legacy of Masterpieces

What is a masterpiece? The expression of genius which has endured long enough to be recognized and loved, and which never goes out of fashion? How is is that Raphael’s work – more accessible than Leonardo and Michelangelo, both of whom inspired him – is still so admired? Our lecture will focus on paintings such as Raphael’s Transfiguration, the grand altarpiece he was working on when he died in 1520, and which is now in the Vatican Picture Gallery, and observe details in some of the frescoes and tapestries he designed. We will meet some of his patrons, among the most vital characters of the Renaissance as they dictated the choice of subject, budget and materials to be used. Above all, we will look at his two great sources of inspiration, the ancient world and nature itself?