During his short life of only 37 years, he painted portraits for Pope Julius II and Baldassare Castiglione, painted a large number of Madonnas, co-constructed St. Peter's Basillica, and even became the Commissioner of Antiquities in Rome. As well, Raphael was highered to paint frescoes at the home of Pope Julius II.

There were four rooms and became to be known as 'The Raphael Stanze'. He is most famous for his paintings of angels and madonnas in which he completely changed the way people think of Madonnas. He did this by making her appear 'greater than mortal mothers.'