The Metropolitan Museum of Art to Host Landmark Raphael Retrospective

**Discovering Raphael: A Glimpse Into the High Renaissance Genius**

Renowned for his synthesis of clarity, beauty, and harmony, Raphael Sanzio of Urbino remains a timeless icon of the High Renaissance. A major exhibition, *Raphael: Sublime Poetry*, slated to open at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, invites art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the grandeur of Raphael’s oeuvre.

Celebrated by Giorgio Vasari, Raphael was described as a paragon of the Renaissance’s artistic and human virtues, a “mortal god” who embodied the boundless riches of heaven in his person and artistry. The exhibition, seven years in the making, is curated by esteemed Renaissance scholar Carmen C. Bambach and will showcase over 200 drawings, paintings, tapestries, and decorative works.

The exhibition curates its selections from over 20 collections worldwide, including prestigious institutions like the Vatican Museums, the Louvre, Uffizi Galleries, National Gallery of Art, and Museo del Prado. This unprecedented collection sees many pieces exhibited together for the first time, offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the depth of Raphael’s work.

*Raphael: Sublime Poetry* traces the artist’s journey from Urbino to Rome, unraveling his artistic evolution through thematic presentations. Highlights include the tender “The Alba Madonna” and the intimate “Portrait of Baldassare Castiglione,” reflecting Raphael’s expertise in color, balance, and detailed realism.

In Raphael, art and moral virtue intertwined. His social grace earned him friends and patrons, while Vasari noted that nature “created him as a gift to the world.” The exhibition offers a profound look into Raphael’s unique artistic personality and his lasting impact on Renaissance art.

Opening on March 29 and running through June 28, the exhibit promises a comprehensive and enriching experience for visitors and a rare opportunity to appreciate the genius of Raphael.