RAFFAELLO SANZIO DA URBINO – also known as Raphael – seems to have been one of those infuriating people blessed with everything: he was handsome, charming, popular and multitalented. Born in Urbino, Italy in 1483, he is best known for his painting but he was also an accomplished printmaker, architect, archaeologist and poet. He even designed stage sets and tapestries.
, a new exhibition at The National Gallery in London, lays bare numerous treasures from his short career. Although he was still a young man when he died, his creative output was prolific – the mind boggles at what he might have achieved had he lived longer – and hugely influential. Here we discuss what is behind the enduring popularity of Raphael’s works and
