Raphael

by Christof Thoenes

In art history, we tend to be on first name terms only with the most revered of masters. The Renaissance painter and architect Raphael Santi (1483–1520) is one such star. The man we call simply Raphael has for centuries been hailed as a supreme Renaissance artist. For some, he even outstrips his equally famous, equally first-named, contemporaries, Leonardo and Michelangelo. From 1500 to 1508, Raphael worked throughout central Italy, particularly in Florence where he secured his reputation as a painter of portraits and beautifully rendered Madonnas, archetypical icons within the Catholic faith. In 1508 he was summoned to Rome by Pope Julius II and later embarked on an ambitious mural scheme for the Stanza della Segnatura in the Vatican. Within this room, Raphael’s The School of Athens is considered a paradigm of the High Renaissance, merging Classical philosophy with perfected perspectival space, animated figures, and a composition of majestic balance. This essential introduction explores how in just two decades of work, Raphael painted his way to legendary greatness. With highlights from his prolific output, it presents the mastery of figures and forms that secured his place not only in the trinity of Renaissance luminaries but also among the most esteemed artists of all time. About the series Born back in 1985, the Basic Art Series has evolved into the best-selling art book collection ever published. Each book in TASCHEN’s Basic Art series a detailed chronological summary of the life and oeuvre of the artist, covering his or her cultural and historical importance a concise biography approximately 100 illustrations with explanatory captions

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Art History, History, Reference, Biography, Renaissance

95 pages, Hardcover

First published January 28, 1999

Reviews

[Warwick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent overview of the Renaissance palette-botherer, splitting his short life into clear sections with the focus more on biography than on art criticism. Some attention is paid to the context of 15th-16th century Italy, but in general it's a book about staring at the art. As you'd expect from Taschen, the pictures are big and full-colour and excellently reproduced. The inclusion of some of his chalk sketches is welcome, and really shows what an unbelievable draughtsman he was. The influences section unaccountably fails to mention the red-bandanaed ninja turtle. Otherwise, good.

[Daze · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 96-page read on one of the most prominent Renaissance painters, Raffaelo Santi/Raphael. As someone who has travelled to Italy from Rome to Florence, I recognize many of the paintings and locations where his work is exhibited, such as the Galleria de Uffizi and Sistine Chapel. He lived for 30+ years and was a master at 17 years old. His passion and ambition to recreate biblical and political history is what made him not just a solid painter, but I would say an exceptional concept artist. It states in the book that he revolutionized the genre of historical painting.

My favorite painting is Galatea (loved the concept behind it, of the giant ogre trying to woo her as in a battle against cupids). The “Expulsion of Heliodorus” and “The Fire in the Borgo” are equivalent to stage-plays. There is a wide-range of action and expression. I appreciate the underdrawings which are much more simple. I also appreciate how Thoenes describes the potential story behind the painting based on the commissioners and Raphael’s personal life.

[nerzola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Che idea aveva l'artista del proprio ruolo? Cosa si proponeva? Per quanto sappiamo, Raffaello non ha mai parlato della sua arte o comunque non ha lasciato testimonianze scritte del suo pensiero. Magari lo avrebbe fatto se fosse vissuto più a lungo [...] Di conseguenza, il cammino verso la comprensione dell'artista passa unicamente per la traccia grafica e pittorica lasciata dalla sua mano, insomma, attraverso i suoi dipinti.

[Ralph Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

When that cunt Kanye West claimed to be God’s greatest artist of all time, I instantly thought of Michelangelo. This isn’t Michelangelo. It’s another ninja turtle. I’m cautious of how Raphael depicts middle-eastern figures with such white and pale faces but this is still great art.

[Wilde Sky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short biography of a famous artist.

The writing was reasonable but the images of the artworks were stunning - I was amazed how many pieces the artist managed to complete in his short life.

[Vio Sintion · Rating 4 out of 5]

My second favourite turtle

[Ingela S A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Classique dans tous les sens du terme

[Luciana Nery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning editions with reasonable prices - that is Taschen from start to finish.

Beautiful art in incredible colors, with good text. A must for art lovers.

[keereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

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