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How did Michelangelo influence Raphael’s Deposition of Christ?
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Raphael
The Grand Duke's Madonna, oil painting by Raphael, 1505; in the Pitti Palace, Florence.
When Raphael was commissioned to paint the Deposition of Christ in 1507, he deliberately sought to learn from Michelangelo to better understand the expressive possibilities of human anatomy.1
By studying Michelangelo’s work, Raphael aimed to incorporate a deeper anatomical understanding into his own compositions. However, Raphael’s approach remained distinct from that of Michelangelo; while Michelangelo was known for a style characterized by dark intensity and excitement, Raphael utilized this anatomical study to develop a more extroverted and calmer style, intended to serve as a universally accessible form of visual communication.1