Rapael was born in Urbino,Italy. He studied at Perugia under Perugino, whose style is reflected in his earliest paintings, such as ‘The Crucifixion’. In c.1504 he went to Florence, where he was strongly influenced by Leonardo and Michelangelo. He completed several paintings of Madonnas, as well as such works as ‘The Holy Family’ and ‘The Deposition’ . In 1508 he went to Rome, where he produced his greatest works, including the frescoes in the papal apartments of the Vatican, and the cartoons for the tapestries of the Sistine Chapel In 1514 he succeeded Bramante as architect of St Peter's. His last work, ‘The Transfiguration’ at the Vatican, was nearly finished when he died and placed at the head of his funeral bier. He was buried in the Pantheon in Rome.