Raffael - Malíř v Římě – Storey Stephanie (2022)

The frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel are one of the most renowned masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance. In her book, Stephanie Storey recounts their creation like never before: through the eyes of Michelangelo's fiercest rival, the young, handsome Raphael Santi of Urbino, an outstanding painter obsessed with perfection. Raphael was orphaned at the age of eleven and is determined to fulfill the promise he made to his father on his deathbed: to become the greatest painter in history. But to be the best, he must defeat the best, the legendary sculptor, creator of David, Michelangelo Buonarroti. Pope Julius II summons both artists to Rome and sets them against each other: Michelangelo paints the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, while Raphael is in charge of decorating the Pope's private chambers. Raphael strives for perfection but struggles with inner demons: desperate ambition, paralyzing fear of imperfection, and immense loneliness. While working, he conspires with cardinals, explores the ruins of ancient Rome, and falls in love with a baker's daughter who becomes a courtesan and, as such, his muse. Raphael, a painter in Rome with his beautiful language, impressive setting, charming characters, and captivating plot vividly depicts the lives of two Renaissance masters...