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About This Work
The artist is depicted in a three-quarter view, looking back over his shoulder toward the viewer. He wears a simple black cap and a dark doublet, set against a muted, neutral background that emphasizes his youthful features and steady gaze.
Raphael is a central figure of the High Renaissance, and his work represents the visual culmination of Neoplatonic ideals of harmony and proportion. He is most significantly linked to the esoteric tradition through his 'School of Athens' fresco, which serves as the definitive visual map of the Western philosophical lineage.
Connected Texts
Raphael, The School of Athens
This self-portrait provides the likeness Raphael used to insert himself into his famous fresco depicting the masters of Greek philosophy and science.