Page "Raphael" Paragraph 15

Raphael led a " nomadic " life, working in various centres in Northern Italy, but spent a good deal of time in Florence, perhaps from about 1504.

However, although there is traditional reference to a " Florentine period " of about 1504-8, he was possibly never a continuous resident there.

He may have needed to visit the city to secure materials in any case.

There is a letter of recommendation of Raphael, dated October 1504, from the mother of the next Duke of Urbino to the Gonfaloniere of Florence: " The bearer of this will be found to be Raphael, painter of Urbino, who, being greatly gifted in his profession has determined to spend some time in Florence to study.

And because his father was most worthy and I was very attached to him, and the son is a sensible and well-mannered young man, on both accounts, I bear him great love ...".