Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino

1.      Why is this person important?

Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, also known as Raphael, was an important person because he was one of the great masters of art during the High Renaissance era of painting and architecture. Many of his works can be found in the Vatican Palace where Raffaello had been asked by Pope Julius II to create an altarpiece for his personal library. Ultimately, Raffaello had a unique ability to balance elements such as color, shading, etc. in his artwork wonderfully and now has a large influence on artists today. 

2.      Why did you choose this person? How does her/his life relate to you?

I chose Raffaello because I am a fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I personally wanted to know why Raphael (the Ninja Turtle) was named after Raffaello. Raffaello's life relates to mine by loving artwork and enjoying the ability to create something out of nothing whether it be a painting on a blank piece of canvas or writing a story in a blank journal. 

3.      If she/he had never existed, would the world be different from how we know it now? Why?

I think that if Raffaello had never existed the world would be different from how we know it art wise. He had a very precise technique that showed a perfect balance of all elements in his paintings, drawings, and architecture. Even though he did not have much influence on the artistic style during his time people today try to achieve the artistic abilities he had. There was a beauty, simplicity, and eccentricity to his artwork that no one has yet excelled him in. If it were not for his paintings I doubt such wonderfully crafted artwork would have ever been seen.

4.      If you could meet that person, what would you ask her/him?

If Raffaello was still alive I would ask him: What inspires you? How do you come up with your artistic ideas?

5.      Do you think the fact this person was Italian played a role in his/her achievement?

I think the fact that Raffaello was Italian did play a role in his achievement of his artistic abilities. He was able to travel around a beautiful place like Italy that inspired him to make such beautiful art. He was invited to the Vatican to commission artwork; which must have influenced his religious paintings and the culture there is so open with beauty that if he had been any other nationality I do not believe he would have made such amazing art.