The Rome IndexRenaissance artists in Rome
Michelangelo, Raphael, Bramante — where to find their work and why it matters.
Michelangelo (1475–1564)
In Rome: the Sistine Chapel ceiling (1508–12), the Pieta in St Peter's (1498–99), the redesign of Piazza del Campidoglio, the completion of St Peter's dome design, and the Moses in San Pietro in Vincoli. He spent more than half his working life in Rome despite his Florentine identity.
Raphael (1483–1520)
The Vatican Stanze — four rooms of frescoes including the School of Athens — are his Roman masterpiece, painted while Michelangelo was simultaneously working above him on the Sistine Chapel. Also: the Chigi Chapel in Santa Maria del Popolo, and the Villa Farnesina across the Tiber.
Bramante (1444–1514)
The original architect of St Peter's Basilica (subsequent architects departed significantly from his plan), and the designer of the Tempietto at San Pietro in Montorio on the Janiculum — a tiny domed temple considered the first perfectly proportioned Renaissance building.