Free Resources for Studying Raphael
Published:
April 5, 2021
Contributor:
Jeannette Tuionetoa
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One of the world’s most renowned artists is known as Raphael. Grab these free resources for studying Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio) to learn all about one of the masters of the Italian Renaissance.
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I say “one of” the masters of the Italian Renaissance, as Raphael is in the ranks of two other artists considered some of the most masterful of masters, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
Yes, up there, with Leonardo and Michelangelo. He was extremely inspired by both of these artists, as he was younger than many of the famous artists of his day. He was also inspired by Fra Bartolommeo and Masaccio.
His paintings were made at the height of humanism, which is depicted by his most famous works like “School of Athens” in Saint Peters’ Basilica, “The Marriage of the Virgin,” and great series of Madonnas.
The Italian Renaissance (renaissance = rebirth) was all about culture, thought, art, economic activity, politics, and theology.
You won’t believe this but…
I have actually seen his work in real life. Sounds like a lie. However, it is so very true.
When I was in the military, I was fortunate enough to be sent all through Europe for conferences. One was in Naples, Italy.
My supervisor decided we would take a long weekend after the conference and explore Rome. It was AMAZING!
One of the sites we visited was the Sistine Chapel where Leo X commissioned Raphael to design 10 large tapestries to hang on the walls.
The designs display Raphael’s sense of drama, meticulous detail, and facial gestures that portray the emotion and feeling of the story.
However, the best of his works that I remember is the “Transfiguration of Christ” at the Vatican Museum. It was his last piece of work painted before passing away.
There is a contrast in the painting of earthly things that he depicts with darker colors while the heavenly section is painted with light colors and shows Jesus with prophets on his sides.
All the people in the drawing look uneasy while the depiction of Jesus looks serene and peaceful. I wasn’t following Christ when I visited Rome, yet I do remember this painting.
The contrast stuck out to me then the way it does now, except now I understand the significance of the dark and light. I feel very honored to have seen this famous painting and to have visited the breathtaking Sistine Chapel full of art from such talented artists and creators.
Explore these free resources for studying Raphael and enjoying his artwork with your students:
Learning About Raphael and the Italian Renaissance | Life Beyond the Lesson Plan
Raphael Art history lesson | Aventures in Mommydom
Raphael the Painter | Art Smarts 4 Kids
Art History and Artists – Raphael | Ducksters
Raphael (Artist) Facts & FREE Worksheets | KidsKonnect
Information – Raphael Facts for Kids | KidsKiddle
Top 6 Interesting Facts about Renaissance Artist Raffaello Sanzio | Discover Walks
Biography Raphael | Biography.com
Raphael 1483 – 1520 | The National Gallery
Biography of Raphael | Raphael Sanzio
Raphael – 10 Facts On The Famous Renaissance Artist | Leonardo Newtonic
Top 12 Facts About Raphael | Art-Facts
Raphael, An Introduction | Khan Academy
Explore Scenes from the Old & New Testament – Biblical Art Appreciation Set, our new Biblical art appreciation resource that combines art with stories from the Old Testament and New Testament.
Activities and visual learning resources to study Raphael:
Raphael for Kids –Famous Artists For Kids VIDEO | Createful Kids
Raphael – Weiner Elementary | Emma Roza
Art with Mati and Dada – Raffaello | Art with Mati and Dada
5 Things You Need to Know About Raphael | Sartle Art History
FREEBIE! Bibliography Page and Poster for Research Projects, Activity | Project Based Learning with Elle Madison
Exploring Raphael’s artwork:
Raphael, School of Athens (Video) | Smarthistory
Vatican Museum Must Sees – Raphael’s Transfiguration | Rome Wise
Understanding the Transfiguration by Raphael Sanzio | PottyPadre
Raphael, Marriage of the Virgin, 1504 | Khan Academy
Madonna of the Goldfinch | Khan Academy
School of Athens | Khan Academy
Grab some resources you can use to get the very most of your artist unit studies:
Art History Resources
FREE Artists Notebooking Research Unit
Famous Artists FREE Cheat Sheets
How to Study Artists Charlotte Mason Artist Study Download
FREE Resources About Famous Painters and Sculptors
Great Artists Unit Study Notebook | How This Mom Does It
Encourage your student’s reading comprehension skills and explore the life and work of 10 artists that left significant marks on art history with this Daily Skill Building Famous People Notebook: Artists.
During Raphaels’ time, Italy was the center of discovery and design. Raphael happened to become a master of many different disciplines including architecture and painting to name a few.
Learning about that time and about motivated artists like Raphael is a great way for kids to understand art, passion, and drive in life.
