Crowned the “Prince of Painters” by Giorgio Vasari, Raphael (1483–1520) stands as one of the most popular artists of the Italian Renaissance.

Famous for his serene and harmonious Madonnas, he was and continues to be an extremely influential painter. Hired by Pope Julius II as his chief architect, Raphael was given his first commission, to decorate the papal apartments at the Vatican, in 1509; today these sumptuous rooms attract visitors from all over the world. This book shows the artist’s masterpieces as never before, in beautiful close-up details.

Art historian Stefano Zuffi takes the reader on a voyage into Raphael’s life and work, traveling from one detail to another. The book is organized thematically and includes a biography and an annotated list of works.