Raphael, an Italian painter and architect, is renowned for his contributions to the High Renaissance. His works are celebrated for their clarity of form, ease of composition, and visual achievement of the Neoplatonic ideal of human grandeur. Notable pieces include the School of Athens and numerous Madonnas. Born in 1483 in Urbino, Raphael's artistic career flourished in Rome, where he became the leading artist of his time. His ability to blend classical themes with emotional depth set him apart from his contemporaries. Raphael's influence extends beyond painting, impacting architecture and design, making him a pivotal figure in art history.