RAPHAEL

This most recent addition to the Abrams Library of Great Painters is a scholarly rendition of the man who in his short span of life was to rise to become a Renaissance master. Starting within the orbit of Perugino's style, Raphael soon showed signs of differing and by 1500 we begin to hear of him on his own, for example in The Marriage of the Virgin where control and discipline begin to surpass those of Perugino. Mary Pittaluga's analysis is cogent in showing the results of each new step Raphael took and the 36 splendidly reproduced color plates are fine reference points.