ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Raffaello Exhibition at Scuderie del Quirinale: A Critical Review

exhibition · 2026-04-27

Fabrizio Federici examines the Raffaello exhibition at Scuderie del Quirinale in Rome, marking the 500th anniversary of Raffaello Sanzio's (1483–1520) passing. This exhibition emphasizes his diverse talents as a painter, architect, and designer, presenting an impressive array of drawings, including studies provided by the Queen of England. It exclusively features Raffaello's works, omitting contributions from other 15th-16th century artists and pieces from his workshop. The exhibition opens with a life-sized replica of Raffaello's tomb and is organized chronologically from 1483 to 1520. While there are some structural issues, the impressive artworks and scientific rigor make it a significant homage, curated by Marzia Faietti and Matteo Lafranconi.

Key facts

  • Raffaello exhibition at Scuderie del Quirinale, Rome, for 500th death anniversary
  • Curated by Marzia Faietti and Matteo Lafranconi
  • Exhibition begins with 1:1 reproduction of Raffaello's tomb in the Pantheon by Factum Arte
  • Includes section on Raffaello's project to revive classical Rome with graphic restitution of ruins
  • Features Castiglione's letter to Pope Leo X and portraits of Castiglione (Louvre) and Leo X (Uffizi)
  • Chronologically backwards structure (1520–1483) criticized as unnecessary
  • Roman period emphasized; Florentine and early training periods confined to two rooms
  • Lacks works by Raffaello's workshop and disciples
  • Drawings lent by the Queen of England are highlighted
  • Exhibition presents Raffaello primarily as easel painter despite his famous frescoes

Entities

Artists

  • Raffaello Sanzio
  • Baldassar Castiglione
  • Marcantonio Raimondi
  • Michelangelo
  • Fabrizio Federici
  • Marzia Faietti
  • Matteo Lafranconi

Institutions

  • Scuderie del Quirinale
  • Factum Arte
  • Louvre
  • Uffizi
  • British Museum
  • Artribune
  • Queen of England
  • Pantheon
  • Vatican Stanze
  • Logge
  • Farnesina

Locations

  • Rome
  • Italy
  • Urbino
  • Florence
  • Perugia
  • Città di Castello
  • Siena
  • Mantua
  • London

Sources