Raphael (1483-1520)
Italian painter of the High Renaissance. His work has enjoyed abiding popularity, and, like his contemporary Michelangelo, he is considered to be one of the greatest masters. Some of his masterpieces, such as The School of Athens and Parnassus, were painted as frescoes in the palaces of the Vatican. In 1514, Raphael was appointed Chief Architect of St. Peter's Basilica by Pope Leo X.