Raffael (1483–1520) rose to become one of the most significant painters of the Renaissance in the short span of his life. He received his first commissions at the age of 17, and by 25, he was called to the papal court in Rome. There, he painted the Pope's chambers, took on the construction management of St. Peter's Basilica, and was closely connected to the circle of humanists at the court. Jürg Meyer zur Capellen presents a portrait of Raffael in this volume and vividly illustrates his artistic development as well as the breadth of his work.