Born in Urbino, Italy, Raphael received his early training from his father, Giovanni Santi, and later apprenticed under the painter Perugino. His early career was marked by a rapid assimilation of diverse artistic influences, leading to his move to Florence, where he studied the works of contemporary masters and developed his signature style.

Raphael is best known for his extensive series of Madonnas and his large-scale fresco cycles, most notably those housed within the Vatican's Apostolic Palace. His work is characterized by a mastery of perspective, balanced compositions, and a refined approach to the human figure that epitomized the Neoplatonic ideals of the High Renaissance.

Following his move to Rome in 1508, he became a favored artist of the Papacy, overseeing major architectural projects including the design of St. Peter's Basilica. His influence on Western art remained profound for centuries, establishing standards for composition and form that defined the academic tradition in painting.