Raphael
Date of birth: 1483 — Date of death: 1520
Painter. Son of court painter, Giovanni Santi, Raphael probably trained under his father. Raphael was one of the most important High Renaissance artists, with a reputation for exceptional portraiture and history painting. By 1508, Raphael was working in major Italian centres, including Florence, and at the court of Pope Julius II in Rome. Following the death of the architect Donato Bramante (1444-1514), Raphael was appointed in charge of St Peter's Basilica in Rome.