Raffaellino del Colle: The Best Pupil of Raphael?
Palazzo Ducale in Urbino is currently hosting an exhibition dedicated to Raffaellino del Colle (Sansepolcro, 1495–1566), a Renaissance artist often eclipsed by the likes of Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Curated by Niccolò Lucarelli, the showcase features notable pieces from regions such as Tuscany, Umbria, and Marche, emphasizing Raffaellino's partnership with Raphael from 1517 to 1520 and his recognition as the successor to Raphael's workshop by Giulio Romano in 1524. Among the highlights are Raphael's frescoed Putto and Madonna col Bambino, which inspired Raffaellino's Santa Caterina d'Alessandria and Sacra Famiglia. A preparatory cartoon for the Putto is also included. Despite some administrative setbacks, the exhibition provides an in-depth look at Raffaellino's work.
Key facts
- Exhibition at Palazzo Ducale, Urbino focuses on Raffaellino del Colle.
- Raffaellino del Colle (1495–1566) was a pupil of Raphael.
- He collaborated with Raphael in the Vatican from 1517 to 1520.
- Giulio Romano named Raffaellino heir to Raphael's workshop in 1524.
- Two works by Raphael are exhibited: a Putto fresco and a Madonna col Bambino.
- The Madonna col Bambino is attributed to Raphael due to Neoplatonic style and similarity to Madonna Solly in Berlin.
- Raffaellino's Santa Caterina d'Alessandria shows Raphael's influence.
- His Sacra Famiglia features a grotesque face of Saint Elizabeth, anticipating Flemish mannerism.
- The first retrospective on Raffaellino was in 1976.
- Vasari did not write a separate biography for Raffaellino in his Lives.
- Bureaucratic delays from the Soprintendenza affected some loans.
- The exhibition is curated by Niccolò Lucarelli.
Entities
Artists
- Raffaellino del Colle
- Raffaello Sanzio
- Giulio Romano
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Michelangelo Buonarroti
- Giovanni di Pietro detto lo Spagna
- Niccolò Lucarelli
Institutions
- Palazzo Ducale
- Soprintendenza
- Museo Leonardi
- Artribune
Locations
- Urbino
- Italy
- Sansepolcro
- Tuscany
- Umbria
- Marche
- Rome
- Vatican
- Berlin
- Sant'Agostino