March 29–June 28, 2026
The Met
Discover the artistic genius of Raphael, a towering figure of the Italian Renaissance whose work seamlessly blends ambition with lyrical beauty. Known formally as Raffaello di Giovanni Santi (1483–1520), Raphael’s brief life of 37 years was marked by extraordinary achievements in painting, design, and architecture, securing his place as a timeless standard of artistic excellence. His creations reflect both intellectual rigor and emotional depth, qualities that allowed him to navigate and flourish within the complex political arenas of Renaissance courts.
This landmark exhibition, Raphael: Sublime Poetry, marks the first comprehensive presentation of Raphael’s masterpieces in the United States. It assembles over 200 works—paintings, drawings, and tapestries—from prestigious public and private collections across Europe and America, many of which have seldom been displayed together. The exhibition traces Raphael’s remarkable journey from his origins in Urbino, through his formative years in Florence where he stood alongside Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, to his final decade at Rome’s papal court, where his prolific output and sophisticated portraiture reinforced his legendary status.
Highlighting Raphael’s poetic sensibility, the exhibition pays special attention to his portrayals of women. From pioneering the use of nude female models in Western art to his deeply intimate depictions of the Madonna and Child, his work reveals a nuanced understanding of grace and human emotion. State-of-the-art scientific research featured in the exhibition offers fresh insights into his creative process and technical mastery, inviting visitors to engage with the artist’s work on an unprecedented level.
By exploring Raphael’s collaborations with leading writers and thinkers of his time, this exhibition reveals how his art was informed by contemporary intellectual currents and shaped cultural history. It is an unparalleled opportunity to experience the sublime marriage of poetry and painting that defined Raphael’s legacy. For more information, visit the official exhibition page here.
