Raphael Exhibition Showcases Artistic Genius

First comprehensive U.S. exhibition of the Italian Renaissance master's work opens at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:23pm

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is hosting the first comprehensive exhibition of the work of Raphael, one of the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance. The exhibition, curated by Carmen Bambach, features 237 works that highlight Raphael's technical mastery, storytelling abilities, and idealized depictions of the Madonna and Child. The show explores how Raphael's friendships with well-connected patrons led to increasingly prestigious commissions, including frescoes for the pope's private offices and library in Rome.

Why it matters

Raphael is often considered the third greatest artist of the Italian Renaissance, after Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. This landmark exhibition provides American audiences with a rare opportunity to experience the full breadth of Raphael's genius and influence, which shaped the visual culture of 16th century Italy.

The details

The exhibition features 237 works by Raphael, including drawings, paintings, and frescoes. Curators highlight Raphael's technical virtuosity, seen in a chalk self-portrait sketch made when he was just 17 years old. The show also explores Raphael's ability to capture the humanity and tenderness in his depictions of the Madonna and Child, as well as his skill in portraiture, as exemplified by his painting of the banker Bindo Altoviti. The exhibition culminates with Raphael's final work, 'The Transfiguration,' which features a stunning drawing of an old and young man.

  • Raphael was believed to be 17 when he created the chalk self-portrait sketch featured in the exhibition.
  • Raphael moved to Florence at the age of 21, where he encountered the influential works of Leonardo da Vinci.
  • Raphael was commissioned to create frescoes for the pope's private offices and library in Rome at the age of 25.
  • Raphael died on April 6, 1520, his 37th birthday.

The players

Raphael

An Italian Renaissance painter and architect, considered one of the greatest artists of his era, alongside Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

Carmen Bambach

The curator who spent eight years putting together the first comprehensive exhibition of Raphael's work in the United States.

Bindo Altoviti

One of the pope's bankers and a friend of Raphael's, who the artist captured in a renowned portrait.

Michelangelo

The renowned Italian Renaissance sculptor and painter who was said to be intensely envious of Raphael's artistic success.

Leonardo da Vinci

The influential Italian Renaissance artist whose techniques and approaches Raphael absorbed and built upon when he moved to Florence.

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What they’re saying

“What is really extraordinary is the perfection of his technique in drawing.”

— Carmen Bambach, Curator

“I believe he is in equal place.”

— Carmen Bambach, Curator

“Michelangelo was intensely envious of Raphael. Raphael was the tragedy that happened to Michelangelo in many ways, because it came so easily to him.”

— Carmen Bambach, Curator

“This is the most beautiful drawing that Raphael ever produced. For somebody to get that foreshortening of the fingers, and the different planes of the hands in a credible way, this is how you tell the greatest artists from somebody who is just good.”

— Carmen Bambach, Curator

The takeaway

This landmark exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art provides a rare opportunity for American audiences to fully appreciate Raphael's unparalleled technical mastery, storytelling prowess, and enduring influence as one of the titans of the Italian Renaissance.