This magnificent study of the great master, written by an expert historiographer who has curated exhibitions of Raphael's art, explores the full range of his work--from his altar pieces to the frescos in the Vatican Rooms, to his tapestries for the Sistine Chapel. It also delves into Raphael's life, the myth of the painter promoted by the Academia Raffaello, and his influence on the Italian and European artists who followed in his wake.