Raffaello portraitist

Consisting of 14 reproductions, the exhibition dedicated to Raphael the portraitist enables us to appreciate the artist’s incredible ability to capture not only the physical features of his subjects but also their psychological condition. The portrait of Leo X between Cardinals Lorenzo de’ Rossi and Giulio de’ Medici is a masterful example of physical truth and psychological introspection; the open illuminated Bible and the lens in the hand of the humanist Pope are indicative of his learning and intellectual curiosity. Raphael also painted prominent figures such as Fedra Inghirami, Prefect of the Vatican Library, and his friend Baldassarre Castiglione, humanist and author of Il Cortegiano. As well as male figures, the Urbino master also produced portraits of female characters, such as his great love Margherita, also known as La Fornarina. Raphael immortalised her in the painting of the same name and in La Velata.