Context brings the brightest minds to your living room with perspective-shifting online lectures.

The Raphael Rooms: Treasures of the Vatican with Cecilia Martini

The Raphael Rooms: Treasures of the Vatican with Cecilia Martini


No events are scheduled at this time. Want to be notified when it’s back? Click the blue button to the right and we’ll notify you.

Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Nowhere else represents the Renaissance better than the Raphael Rooms at the Vatican. Within these rooms, the extraordinary personalities of Pope Julius II and of 25-year-old Raphael met in a perfect, brief, unique moment where art, faith, and culture blended in perfect harmony.
“Here lies that famous Raphael by whom Nature feared to be conquered while he lived, and when he was dying, feared herself to die.” This inscription was written on Raphael’s grave exactly 500 years ago, alluding to his magnificence and talent that continues to captivate audiences, scholars, and artists alike today.
This conversation will explore the pinnacle of his work, “The School of Athens”, emphasizing his impressive technique and intellect to reveal how this artistic masterpiece became a symbol of the Renaissance itself. We will investigate the artistic and symbolic meanings of this fresco and their relations to politics, philosophy, and faith, going beyond a surface-level analysis to deeper, more nuanced explanations. The frescoes painted by him and his pupils in the Rooms represent a peak of his art, of the history of art itself, and that of Western Culture.
Join art historian Cecilia Martini for this flight through the Papal apartments during this interactive seminar. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with deeper insight into Raphael’s Art at the peak of his glory.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 12 reviews
100%
(12)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
L
L. (Saint Paul, US)
Excellent insights!

Excellent presentation packed with very interesting insights that help you appreciate Raffaelo’s work

O
Ourania M. (Athens, GR)
A detailed analysis on the wonderful paintings of Rafael Rooms

Cecilia was excellent in providing the information and the description of the era that Raphael lived and worked. She is a skilful guide. I recommend this seminar if you want to 'visit' these rooms!

A
Anonymous
complete and very clear

I was in these in these rooms with one of your docents maybe 3-4 years ago because my late husband wanted to "really see" the Raphael rooms. It was awe inspiring then same as now. And even with that background, I still learned so much with Signorina Martini. Wonderful.

N
Nancy J Grayson (Austin, US)
Applause! Applause!

Cecelia’s in-depth knowledge, slide selection, lecture style, and enthusiasm deserve deafening applause!

A
Anonymous (Vancouver, CA)
Excellent!

Excellent.

Customer Reviews

Based on 12 reviews
100%
(12)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
L
L. (Saint Paul, US)
Excellent insights!

Excellent presentation packed with very interesting insights that help you appreciate Raffaelo’s work

O
Ourania M. (Athens, GR)
A detailed analysis on the wonderful paintings of Rafael Rooms

Cecilia was excellent in providing the information and the description of the era that Raphael lived and worked. She is a skilful guide. I recommend this seminar if you want to 'visit' these rooms!

A
Anonymous
complete and very clear

I was in these in these rooms with one of your docents maybe 3-4 years ago because my late husband wanted to "really see" the Raphael rooms. It was awe inspiring then same as now. And even with that background, I still learned so much with Signorina Martini. Wonderful.

N
Nancy J Grayson (Austin, US)
Applause! Applause!

Cecelia’s in-depth knowledge, slide selection, lecture style, and enthusiasm deserve deafening applause!

A
Anonymous (Vancouver, CA)
Excellent!

Excellent.