The Small Cowper Madonna

Raphael

The Small Cowper Madonna
c. 1505
National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
Photographed by Team C004570
Born in April 6, 1483, Raffaello Sanzio (Santi), popularly known as Raphael, is considered one of the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance and of all time. He received early training from his father Giovanni Santi.

In 1499, he moved to Perugia, Umbria and became a student of the famous painter, Perugino, and developed a style very similar to his. Six years later, he moved to Florence and studied the works of many established artists at the time, including da Vinci, and was influenced by the Umbrian school. From that, he learn methods of lights and shades, anatomy, dramatic action, perspective and geometric composition.

He later went on to paint rooms in the Vatican Palace in Rome under Pope Julius II in 1508. He stayed in Rome until his death on his 37th birthday, April 6, 1520. It is rumored that the Pope was about to make him a cardinal prior to his death.

©2000 Team C004570