Its origins are Latin, from the word renasci, which means to be born again, rise again, reappear or be renewed. The European Renaissance was an exceptional period of progress in art and education, which was a visible transition and shift from the Medieval art style into a more classical theme. Many paintings emerged with themes of religion and biblical stories, and some of mythical and historical events. Other paintings embody themes connecting religion and politics, which push the narrative of divine authority of both the church and many different rulers in Italy.
Rafaello’s most well-known works included two oil paintings on wooden canvas. “The Small Saint Michael” which is currently located in the Louvre Museum, Paris, and “Madonna del Prato” which is on display in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. Rafaello spent the last 12 years of his life as a painter and architect in Rome. The Pope at the time, Pope Julius II, wanted to see him for a big project. Rafaello and his pupils designed and painted multiple frescos on the ceiling of the Vatican’s Stanza della Segnatura.
In Italy, my professor planned a trip for my class to visit the Vatican City. It was surreal to walk the long narrow hallways and visit the Room of the Segnatura. The floors were beautifully designed with stones and marble to make geometric patterns. Even more breathtaking were the realistic humanistic frescos along the ceilings framed by marble carvings and gold. To see Rafaello's work in person, in a room similar to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, was like a dream come true. His work inspired me to try to understand its meaning and message. Many things could be drawn from it and it was nice to discuss it with my classmates.
