Raphael, 'Saint Catherine of Alexandria', about 1507-8.
London, The National Gallery.

Feature: The Making of a Master

Raphael: From Urbino to Rome

20 October 2004 - 16 Jan 2005
(Closed 24-26 December, 1 January)
Sainsbury Wing Admission charge

This was the first major exhibition of paintings and drawings by the great Renaissance painter, Raphael (1483 - 1520), to be held in Britain. In little more than a decade (1500-1513), Raphael transformed himself from a competent master of provincial church decoration into one of the greatest painters who ever lived. His remarkably lucid compositions influenced Western art up to the 20th century.

Drawing on the rich holdings of the National Gallery's collection and major international loans, the exhibition explored the meaning and historical context of Raphael's works, his techniques, and how they developed. Highlights included the 'Alba Madonna' from the National Gallery of Art, Washington, the 'Conestabile Madonna' from the Hermitage, the 'Saint George' and 'Saint Michael' from the Louvre and the 'Self Portrait' from the Uffizi.

The exhibition followed Raphael's dramatic stylistic evolution from his origins in Urbino to his works produced under the enlightened patronage of Pope Julius II in Rome.

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