Tomb of Raphael

Overview

Nestled within the monumental Pantheon in Rome, Italy, lies the solemn yet inspiring Tomb of Raphael, the final resting place of one of the Italian Renaissance's most revered artists, Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino. This sacred site offers a profound connection to the genius of Raphael and the rich history of Rome itself. Visitors from across the globe are drawn to this spot, not only to pay homage to the 'Prince of Painters' but also to experience the grandeur of the Pantheon, an architectural marvel that has stood for nearly two millennia.

Raphael's tomb is situated within the Basilica of Santa Maria ad Martyres, which is the Christianized form of the ancient Pantheon. It is found in the third aedicula, positioned on the right side of the church, easily recognizable by the statue of the 'Madonna del Sasso' above it.

History & Cultural Background

Raphael, a prolific painter and architect, passed away prematurely on Good Friday, April 6, 1520, at the age of just 37. Legend has it that as he lay dying, Raphael expressed a fervent wish to be interred in the Pantheon, a building he deeply admired and considered a pinnacle of human achievement. His request was granted, a testament to his immense stature and influence during his lifetime. Pope Leo X, who had appointed Raphael responsible for antiquities in 1515, is said to have knelt before the artist's body, shedding tears in a poignant farewell.

The Pantheon itself boasts a layered history. Originally built as a temple 'to all the gods' by Agrippa around 27 BCE, it was later reconstructed by Emperor Hadrian around 125 CE. In 609 CE, Pope Boniface IV converted the structure into a Christian church, the Basilica of Santa Maria ad Martyres, a move that largely saved it from the fate of many other ancient Roman buildings, which were often stripped for materials. Raphael's burial here marked a significant moment, as he was among the first prominent figures to be interred within its hallowed walls, setting a precedent for other artists and even future Italian royalty.

The exact location of Raphael's remains became a subject of historical inquiry. In 1833, a formal exhumation was undertaken by Pope Gregory XVI to verify the presence of his body. The bones discovered were confirmed to be Raphael's, and Pope Gregory XVI donated an ancient Roman sarcophagus, dating back to the time of Augustus, to house his remains.

What Makes It Special

The Tomb of Raphael is a truly special place for several reasons. Foremost, it is the resting place of a visionary artist whose works, such as the 'Sistine Madonna' and 'The School of Athens,' define the High Renaissance. His choice of the Pantheon for his final resting place underscores his reverence for classical antiquity and its architectural brilliance.

Above Raphael's sarcophagus stands the beautiful 'Madonna del Sasso' (Madonna of the Rock) statue, sculpted by his student, Lorenzo Lotti, also known as Lorenzetto. Raphael himself had commissioned and designed this statue. This sculpture holds historical significance as it was the first Christian statue installed in the Pantheon after its consecration as a church.

The epitaph inscribed on his tomb, penned by his friend, the Venetian Cardinal Pietro Bembo, captures the essence of his unparalleled talent: 'ILLE HIC EST RAPHAEL TIMUIT QUO SOSPITE VINCI RERUM MAGNA PARENS ET MORIENTE MORI.' This translates to: 'Here lies Raphael, by whom Nature feared to be outdone while he lived, and when he died, Nature feared to die with him.'

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The tale of Pope Leo X weeping over Raphael's body before his burial adds a deeply human and emotional layer to the artist's passing. The 1833 exhumation, undertaken with great public interest, confirmed that Raphael's bones indeed rested in the sarcophagus, putting to rest any lingering doubts. This event was even recorded in a lithograph by Horace Vernet.

Raphael's passion for ancient Roman monuments extended to his professional life; as superintendent of antiquities, he meticulously studied and measured ancient structures, including the Pantheon, contributing to their preservation. It is this profound appreciation that likely influenced his desire to be buried there.

The Pantheon itself is full of wonders, like its iconic oculus, an 8.8-meter-wide open circular hole at the dome's apex. It is the largest unreinforced concrete dome ever built. This oculus serves as the building's sole light source, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow throughout the day. It also famously allows rain to enter, which is drained away by an ancient system of nearly invisible holes in the floor.

Visitor Perspective

For visitors, locating Raphael's Tomb within the vast interior of the Pantheon is straightforward. Upon entering the Pantheon, guests can find Raphael's burial niche in the third chapel on the right-hand side. The 'Madonna del Sasso' statue serves as a clear landmark above his tomb.

Standing before the tomb, one can't help but feel the weight of history and artistic legacy. It is a moment to reflect on the immense contributions of Raphael to art and architecture, and how his memory is preserved within a structure that embodies enduring human achievement. Observing the tomb, you are not only connecting with Raphael but also witnessing a continuum of history, from ancient Roman engineering to Renaissance artistry and beyond, all within the awe-inspiring space of the Pantheon.