Raphael

Raphael was born in Urbino on April 6, 1483. His real name was Raffaello Sanzio. His father, Giovanni Sanzio, served as a court painter for the Duke of Urbino. When he was 11 years old, Raphael went to Perguia to study with Pietro Perguino. In 1504, he continued his education in Florence studying with Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. In 1508 Raphael was called to Rome by Pope Julius. Raphael and many other skilled architects, artist, and sculptors where going to rebuild and redecorate the city. In Rome, Raphael painted three Stanzas, or state rooms in the Vatican. From 1514 until his death in 1520, he directed the construction of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.