Revisiting the Raphael exhibition at the National Gallery confirmed my admiration of his work, especially the portraits, mainly displayed in the final room.
I find Raphael somewhat intimidating – he’s so perfect and revered – but the painting of his friend Baldassare Castiglione is winningly affectionate and engaging. Those blue eyes are incredible.
Raphael’s skill at rendering fabrics was exceptional as can be seen in these two paintings: La Donna Velata and Lorenzo de’ Medici. While in the former the features are balanced with the fabrics, in the latter they are so gorgeous he is overwhelmed. A case to me of the clothes wearing the man.
Lastly the idealised female beauty of La Muta. The painting of black stitching on her under-shift seems harsh close up but works perfectly in context.
