A captivating film based on rigorous research providing a detailed, unprecedented exploration of the extraordinary life, achievements and legacy of Raphael (1483-1520), one of the most prolific and influential artists of the Italian Renaissance.
This comprehensive film offers a compelling narrative with an abundance of breathtakingly beautiful art and intriguing contextual details to give viewers not only a deep sense of Raphael’s extensive oeuvre but also the fascinating period in history he lived in, major artists who influenced his work, the impact of popes, patrons, wars and more.
Release: May 2024
Running time: 148 mins
Trailer: see below
Where to watch: Ideas Roadshow App for TV, tablet & phone; Amazon Prime; Vimeo On Demand
**NEW: Blu-Ray: available on Amazon HERE & DVD: available on Amazon HERE plus many other shops
REVIEWS, TRAILER & STRUCTURE OF THE FILM:
“An impressive achievement. This film offers an illuminating, copiously detailed study of the artist’s life and times. Burton isn’t afraid to go into granular detail at any stage of proceedings. He has assimilated a massive amount of information, which he then funnels to us in a cogent and organised fashion.“
Read the full Guardian review HERE.
“I greatly admired and enjoyed this film. The sheer amount of information the film is able to get across with a single narrative voice accompanied by such intensity of illustration is very impressive. I loved it that the film begins with Context – and a brilliant survey it is. The relations between the narration, the pictorial evidence and the running date chart will surely guarantee that no one loses their way.”
Quentin Skinner, Professor of Humanities, QMUL
“This hugely informative film takes us through Raphael’s short, incredibly productive and influential life, from early days at Urbino to his mature career in Rome. It is beautifully shot, and illuminating both on the painter’s relationships with contemporary artists, his studio, and on his relations with clients while it also sheds light on his work as an architect.“
Jane Stevenson, SRF, Campion Hall, University of Oxford
“The film is impressive. I appreciate the high level of engagement with classic and current scholarship, which is synthesized very clearly and well. Much like Raphael’s own synthetic practice! I believe a general audience will find it highly informative, not to mention absolutely gorgeous. I’d love for it to be available to my students in the future.“
Kim Butler Wingfield, Associate Professor of Renaissance Art History, American University
“.. an impressive achievement and covers a wide range. The film could be the foundation of a university course on Raphael and had I still been teaching, I would have strongly recommended it to my students.”
Paul Joannides, Emeritus Professor of the History of Art, University of Cambridge
“I am hugely impressed by Burton’s ability to synthesize so much material accurately and well. I learned quite a bit of new information from it!“
Matthias Wivel, Curator of 16th-Century Italian Paintings (2013-2024), The National Gallery London
“Sheds essential light on one of history’s greatest artists. Meticulously researched while there’s much to enjoy for even the dilettante. Raphael’s decoration of the ceilings of the new Papal residence at the Vatican — with Michelangelo working on the Sistine Chapel next door — are a thing of splendour…”
Chris Knight, Chief Film Critic National Post & Original CIN (full review HERE)
“A beautiful and fascinating monograph on Raphael…an excellent film.”
Francesco Paolo di Teodoro, Professor of the History of Architecture, Politecnico di Torino
“A terrific survey of Raphael’s life and works. I appreciate how lucidly Howard Burton has captured Raphael’s innovation and synthesis, and communicated these aspects of the artist’s oeuvre with thoughtful analysis and commentary. The film will make an important resource for students.”
Tracy Cosgriff, Assistant Professor of Art History, The College of Wooster
“A really informative and extremely rich film. Raphael is set both in a local and European context. The historical part is accurate and is something that most refined people would appreciate: the ability to be clear without being reductive and simplistic. The pictures and colours are beautiful. I really enjoyed it and learnt a lot from it.”
Giovanni Giorgini, Professor of History of Political Thought, Università di Bologna
“Raphael: A Portrait takes us on a captivating journey filled with stunning visuals and rich historical context. Raphael’s masterpieces and his vibrant and dangerous era are explored with in-depth research and a compelling narrative — all bringing his extraordinary legacy to life.”
Ross King, Author of Brunelleschi’s Dome
STRUCTURE OF THE FILM: The film is explicitly structured in such a way as to present a comprehensive picture of Raphael’s enormous artistic output that will stimulate all levels of viewers, from the wholly uninitiated to the passionate devotee.
Context/Raphael’s World: The film begins by presenting the vital historical context — a 20-minute overview of key historical and cultural developments that occurred during the course of Raphael’s life, so as to enable the viewer to best appreciate his circle of key patrons, dominant issues of the day and, consequently, Raphael’s works themselves when encountered later in the film.
The next three sections—Development, Ascendancy & Domination—represent the heart of the film, following a strictly chronological path to synoptically chart Raphael’s remarkably diverse artistic accomplishments from his 1483 birth in Urbino to his 1520 death in Rome.
The final section, Legacy, details the ups and downs of Raphael’s reputation and impact on the history of art over the past 500 years, in an attempt to put his life and work in broader perspective.
