Raffaelo Sanzo da Urbino (1483 – 1520) was better known simply as Raphael, an Italian painter and architect of the high Renaissance, together with Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, they form the traditional trinity of great masters of that period, the great Italian artist of the sixteenth century.
One evening about the year 1516, he was walking in a leisurely way in the country when he came to an inn. At once his interest was directed at a pretty young mother quietly singing to her baby while an older boy looked on. They were perfect objects for a picture, Raphael thought to himself, and he approached the young woman. “You may not have heard of me, Madame,” he said modestly, “I am a painter and would dearly love to paint you and your children, if you would be kind enough to stay just as you are.” Although she was surprised and confused, the lady agreed. Raphael actually didn’t properly prepare for painting a picture. He had neither canvas nor easel but fortunately he was still carrying some paints and brushes then his eyes saw something that attracted him. Read more...
