The betrothal of the Virgin

The betrothal of the Virgin It is a work by Raphael Sanzio of Urbino. (1483-1520), one of the great names of the renaissance painting. But Raphael was not only a genius, he was also an admired and respected artist as he embodied the ideals of Renaissance humanism like no other. Thus, this great artist established a school and was revered by his patrons and his disciples, something that differentiates him from other more individualistic Renaissance artists.

In this article from unPROFESOR.com we offer you the analysis and commentary The betrothal of the Virgin, his last work from his youth and one in which he most clearly showed the exceptionality of his artistic talent.

Raphael Sanzio He showed from a very young age great talent with which he was gifted, receiving the first commissions from him at the young age of 16. The betrothal of the Virgin It constitutes the last work of his youth, being carried out in 1504, just in the first years of the Italian Cinquecento.

the play is an oil and tempera on panel,

located in the Brera art gallery in Milan. Its dimensions are 175 centimeters high by 120 high.

This work is the Raphael's interpretation on a painting of the same subject carried out by Perugino, his teacher. And although they have similarities, the differences between both works are also evident.

Perugino shows us the scene from the front and with the married couple and the priest in the foreground, Raphael places them somewhat further back, offering a greater sense of depth. Furthermore, Raphael takes a higher vantage point, placing the temple further away to achieve the same effect. The faces are very similar, as are the gestures and clothing.

Specialists point out how the influence of another of Perugino's works, "The delivery of the keys to Saint Peter" (1481). Be that as it may, in this work Rafael also made it clear how his talent had surpassed that of his teacher both in the mastery of composition and space in his paintings, creating the sensation of three-dimensionality.

Thus, we are before a youth work by Rafael in which it is possible appreciate the quattrocentista influence of Perugino and Leonardo.