Ode to Raphael’s Portrait of a Cardinal Shot in 2012 in Verona together with Mauro Fiorese Inspired by Raphael’s Portrait of a Cardinal, 1509-10 Collection of the Prado, Madrid Born in Urbino in 1483 as Raffaello Santi, the man the world knows as Raphael, saw himself as a man of culture and not just an artisan. Raphael’s immense talent enabled him to create striking narratives in his compositions. And yet it is not only his artistic talent which helped him to achieve such great heights but also his social skills and prestige. Raphael was an exceptionally social and intelligent person, who was as gifted in his talent for organization as he was for painting. During his twelve years in Rome, he received prestigious commissions from Pope Julius II as well as from the wealthy banker, Agostino Chigi. Raphael’s talent for portraiture can be seen from his earliest works. This portrait of a Cardinal is considered a masterpiece and was made in the first year of his sojourn in Rome. The Cardinal projects a formal and aloof air, which gives him an aura of being untouchable. In this work, E2 plays with his aloof disposition. On the one hand the sitter exudes an air of distance and detachment and on the other he gives away part of himself showing his support of Italy during the Olympics.
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