Directed by Massimo Ferrari this is gloriously photographed with wonderful views of today’s Urbino, Florence and Rome, and luminously captures examinations of some of the artist’s various works.

Marking the 500th anniversary of his death at the age of 37 , the film lovingly, luminously documents the life and works of Raphael (1483-1520), regarded as one of the major Renaissance artists. The paintings are often shown en situ in the gallery or museum where the work is held now and there are some closeups at times so we can see the texture of the painting now. Museum directors,  curators, restorers and other art experts analyse the various works. Discussion is made about preservation and treatment for restoration. There are sweeping views of his work in the Vatican for example, as well.

We learn that Raphael was regarded as a child prodigy like Mozart. He spent his childhood in his painter father’s workshop and also worked at the studio of Perugino. He inherited his father’s studio and was already considered a High Renaissance master and “prince of painters” by the age of 17, already receiving commissions by then. He lived and worked for a time in Perugia and Florence but was called to Rome by Pope Julius 11 in 1508 and later worked for Pope Leo X , who appointed him commissioner of antiquities in Rome .He established testy artistic clashes with Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci and is regarded with them as one of the greats. His workshop eventually included a record breaking over fifty apprentices.Some of his most famous works include The School of Athens and the Sistine Madonna as well as the Alba Madonna. Also discussed by the experts in the film are The Triumph of Galatea and Woman With A Veil among others. There is also The Deposition of Christ and The Transfiguration. Another work featured is his exquisite Lady With a Unicorn in which we can see the influence of Leonardo da Vinci. There is also the imposing , aloof extremely detailed portrait of Elisabetta Gonzaga.

The story is sometimes interspersed with short animated sequences developing the background to important particular events.
While generally known for his paintings, many of which can still be viewed in the Vatican Palace (the frescoed Raphael Rooms) he was also among other things an architect and expert draftsman – a major polymath.

The main theme of the film though is Raphael’s quest to portray celestial beauty, beginning with his amazing portraits of women – in particular The Mother (look at all his Madonnas), the Friend, The Secret Lover (is that his mistress?) and the Client (patron). Were his Madonnas at least in part, in memory of his mother who passed away when he was eight years old? His Triumph of Galatea draws on assembled parts of various women to depict Raphael’s search for beauty. Mention is also made of the difficult, unusual pose portrayed .The experts discuss who really is depicted in La Fornarina – it is now mostly accepted that it is Margherita Luti, a baker’s daughter,  who was the love of Raphael’s life .

We also learn of Raphael’s quest to preserve ancient Rome’s history, his caving exploration and his architectural work. His drawings are regarded as some of the finest ever.

The banker Agostino Chigi was one of his major patrons (Raphael painted the Galatea for him) and portraits include that of Popes and also Agnolo Dono and Maddalena Doni upon their wedding.

Raphael was born in 1583 in the Italian town of Urbino and died on his birthday (which coincidentally was Good Friday) in Rome 1520. He is buried in the Pantheon. He was known as charming , courteous and extremely popular, confident, able to move in high levels of society and quite a seductive playboy.  With regards to his legacy he points forward to Caravaggio and the Baroque.

Raphael the Young Prodigy is part of the World Art Events catalogue. Next up is Napoleon: In The Name of Art featuring Jeremy Irons, releasing March 19.

Raphael the Young Prodigy screens at selected arts cinemas from January 29 2022
Running time approx. 80 minutes.

http://www.sharmillfilms.com.au/allfilms/2019/12/9/raphael-the-young-prodigy-1-aug