Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio)

Raphael was known for his immoderate way of life. He was a celebrated personality, well known not only for his incredible artistic ability but also for his personal charm. Under the pressure of his social position his private life was often scrutinised and came under attack. Various accounts circulate about his early death: some claim that an over-passionate amorous encounter brought on a fever, and that, ashamed to admit it, he treated himself with the wrong medicine, and the illness eventually killed him. Most, however, believe that the fatal fever was brought on by overwork on his painting The Transfiguration and the constant pressure weighing on him. He died on his thirty-seventh birthday, Good Friday. Amid general mourning he was laid to rest in the Pantheon in Rome.

From the page of Putti, detail from the Sistine Madonna

Raphael (1483–1520), born in Urbino, was one of the three great masters of the High Renaissance with Leonardo and Michelangelo. He painted the Vatican Stanze and celebrated Madonnas before dying at 37.

From the page of Portrait of Baldassare Castiglione