Raffaello: Il Cartone della Scuola di Atene

by Alberto Rocca, Raffaello Sanzio (Illustrator)

Through a spectacular iconographic apparatus, rich in details and descriptive texts that guide its reading, this volume is an extraordinary picture book that allows the reader to immerse themselves in the vision of the Cartone of the fresco of the School of Athens by Raphael, the largest one we have from the Renaissance era. The story of this unparalleled autograph drawing, executed entirely by Raphael at life size (about 24 square meters) and prepared to receive the pope's approval to proceed, is told by Alberto Rocca, Director of the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, with clarity and expertise, without omitting the adventurous stages through which the work has passed.

Genres: Art

95 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Michael Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional rendering on mass paperback of a special drawing by Rafaello (Rafael) and his bottega (workshop).

The drawing is large scale, a 24 square-meter carton, made between 1508 and 1510 by Rafaello as preparation for a larger fresco decoration of the Stanza della Signatura, a future library commissioned by Pope Julius II. (That's the same Pope who commissioned Michelangelo to paint the Sixtine Chapel, Bramante to construct St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, etc.) It's a triumph of realistic drawing and a wonderful drawing to start. The carton is hosted since 1610 by the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana in Milano (Milan), where the book is produced and sold.

The book itself presents a brief history of the carton, then it prints high-quality photography of both the drawings from the carton and the colored final fresco. The photographer captures both the larger groups and, by zooming in, the minute artwork. Excellent!

[Lamadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is Raffaello: il Cartone della Scuola di Atene (the Cartoon of the School of Athens) by Alberto Rocca and is in both Italian and English published in the same book. It is a companion to the permanent exhibit at the Pinoteca Ambrosiana, a museum and library. It is a wonderful exhibit, with the cartoon presented amazingly. As I read this book in conjunction with visiting the exhibit, my enjoyment was enhanced by the experience. The book is well presented, with all sections being written in both Italian and English. It gives a brief history of the cartoon, how and when it ended up in their collection, why it is in such good shape for a cartoon, and the times in which it has been moved from the museum (usually due to war). It also goes over all the figures individually. It's a great companion to a wonderful viewing.