Raphael (1483-1520) is considered the third great master of the Italian High Renaissance, along with Leonardo and Michelangelo.

His artistic style is renowned for its harmony, clarity, balance, and serene beauty.

He is particularly famous for his numerous paintings of the Madonna, which are celebrated for their grace and humanity.

Like Michelangelo, Raphael was commissioned by the Popes to undertake major projects in the Vatican.

His greatest masterpieces are the frescoes that decorate a suite of rooms in the Vatican known as the 'Raphael Rooms.'

The most famous of these frescoes is 'The School of Athens,' a celebration of classical philosophy that depicts Plato, Aristotle, and other great thinkers.

'The School of Athens' is considered a perfect embodiment of the humanist spirit of the Renaissance.

Raphael was also a highly sought-after portrait painter, known for his ability to capture the character of his subjects.

He ran a large and efficient workshop with many assistants, which allowed him to complete numerous commissions.

His work was considered a model of classical perfection and was immensely influential on subsequent generations of artists.