Raphael, Painter in Rome

What a happy surprise! When I realized that "Raphael, Painter in Rome" was by the same author as "Oil and Marble," I was a bit trepidatious; I wasn't a fan of the latter, because it seemed to lionize Michelangelo at the expense of Leonardo. But this book is a delight. One reason might be because it's in the first person, narrated by Raphael himself, rather than in the third person. The fictional voice of Raphael is so well realized and absolutely disarming. When he describes a setting, it's the way I'd imagine a master painter would do so, with an emphasis on visual details. The information about the mechanics of painting and his and Michelangelo's works (yes, Michelangelo is a pivotal figure in this one too) is presented in a beautifully natural way, not at all like an info dump. So while I have my quibbles, especially re the climax (a major example of playing fast and loose with the facts), I did love this book.

Thank you, NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sky Horse Publishing for this free copy in exchange for an honest review. I have been fortunate to have now read both art historical fiction books by Stephanie Storey and so please to give both of them 5***** ratings! Tremendous books that looks at the history of that great Renaissance painter, Raphael, and his competition with Michelangelo during their times at the Vatican in the early part of the 16th century. The book is written in such a way that it appears Raphael is actually talking to us about his life and his artwork, his battles to get recognized outside of his home city of Urbino, along with working for Pope Julius II, and trying to wrest the painting of the Sistine Chapel from Michelangelo., as well as the title of Architect of St. Peters competition. Based on extensive love and research into this topic, Storey has written an extremely interesting a very readable book. It is fun to go back and forth between the book and then researching the paintings and sculptures that form the basis of the book and competition. Having been fortunate to have seen many of this artwork in person I loved so much of the backstory that is told in the book, and if you have not seen these in person they are so simple to look up on your computer and gaze longer and even see more detail than you can when you are there in person. Wonderful book, if you have the chance also read Oil & Marble to get a great insight into the Da Vinci-Michelangelo story.

I loved this book and it is a while since I've been able to say that. The author used her expertise so deftly, I walked in Raphael's world for a day or two. I've read a couple of books set in this period recently as well as the Irvine Stone years ago, this is a fascinating period in art history as well as the renaissance. The author was quite right to suggest you keep looking at the paintings to understand the artists, and it means you can actually see many of the characters in his novel, as Raphael painted them.
The only criticism I have is it may prove an expensive read, as I really want to revisit Rome and see the Vatican paintings in the flesh now!

My thanks to Netgalley for my ARC of this title.
I rarely give 5 stars to books, but this book is a solid 4.5-5 star book. There is so much to love about this book.

The author warned at the beginning of the book that the reader would want to have their tablet or computer handy to look up the artwork mentioned in the book. She was spot on with that assessment. I could have finished this book much faster, but I was constantly looking up the pairings, sculpture or architecture she mentioned. This actually made for a much more satisfying read. I feel like I learned much more that way, but it did make it awkward when I was reading in bed late, but oh well. Sacrifices must be made!

Before I read this book I knew that Rafael was a wonderful painter, and I thought he might not have been liked by Michelangelo. I also remembered that he painted himself and Michelangelo into the School of Athens painting. That was it. While this book is fiction, it filled in many of the gaps that I had in my knowledge, and has a wonderful list of books to read added at the end of the novel, (which I will use to order many of the books from the library! Yay!!!)

I also loved the writing style. It just drew me right into the story. Rafael even reminded me a little bit of Nomar Garciaparra (short stop of the Boston Red Sox at the end of the 1990s until 2004. I leave it you to figure that one out).

In short, this book has whetted my appetite for more Rafael Santi!!

One last note, the cover chosen was a painting I wasn't familiar with and I wondered why that one was on the cover. I believe the book indirectly answers this. I always wonder if the people who design the covers actually read them before choosing the artwork. In this case, it worked really well.

I loved this book, it was original, lively and brilliantly written. As other reviewers have said I was slowed in my reading of this by the need to google all the artworks and sculptures mentioned. I thoroughly enjoyed this.

The book of the year for me! And that is out of over 100 books!
I did not think that it would be possible for the author to surpass the greatness of her first book, Oil and Marble. In fact, I was anxious to start this one, as in the past, I have found that an author's second book rarely lives up to their first effort. I need not have worried!
This book was fantastic! The author's depiction and development of Rapheal's character was exquisite! If you could not feel yourself standing in his shoes, you need to try again. Her writing abilities are amazing!
And the settings of the scenes! One did not even have to close one's eyes to see them in front of you. You are there. Smelling the paint, feeling the weather, feeling the aching in your muscles at the exertions of painting for hours.
The story just keeps unfolding and unfolding, like a giant tapestry. You want to slow down, to savor every page, but you can't! You have to keep going and going, eager to find out what happens next.
And the details! The author obviously has studied the art and artists extensively. Her knowledge just jumps off the pages
As mentioned in other reviews, if you have an opportunity to view the art referred to as you read this, it just adds to the joy. I know that I will never look at this art the same way again. I cannot wait until my next trip to Italy, to gaze at the art in person and think about all the author has taught me!
The only bad thing I can think of, is that I may have to wait another year or more for her next book!
Bravo!

Everything deserves five stars in this great book. The originality of the plot, the incredibly logic translation of thoughts of the characters, the colours of the book. I won' say more about the colours, I don't want to spoil any discovery. Because this is truly a discovery, the reader dives into the mind's of one of the greatest painter : Raphael. Even if we know the book is a fiction, it is so logic and arty that it is highly probable to be, all along the story, with one of the most gifted painter. This is enjoyable, not theoretical. It is nicer if you can see the paintings on the internet as they are the object of the story.
Can't wait for the next book !
I got a copy in exchange for a fair review. All opinions are mine.

This book is another outstanding book by the author. I love art thrillers and this one does not disappoint Just do yourself a favor, have your tablet, phone or laptop handy, You are going to want to look up all of the art in this book.

I have visited Italy several times. Each time I have visited Rome and toured the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel . Right before you enter the Sistine Chapel, you enter several rooms which house the paintings of Raphael. I have always wondered why Raphael was so prominent in the Vatican Museum. After reading this book, now I know.
I was not aware of the rivalry between Michelangelo and Raphael for painting the Sistine chapel. When the pope discovered the talents of Raphael, the commission for painting the Sistine chapel had already been given to Michelangelo. The rivalry between the two men was very intense. Raphael never gave up hope that he would be asked to take over the painting of the Sistine chapel from Michelangelo. The rivalry between the two was so intense that they did not support each other in a way that you hope professionals would. For example, Raphael knew that painting in Rome would require a different recipe for plaster than painting in Florence. Michelangelo was not forthcoming in sharing his recipe. Throughout the book you begin to understand that Raphael may have been the superior painter. Michelangelo wanted to be sculpting not painting. The rivalry existed because the person deemed to be the best painter in the Vatican will be given the title of architect of the Vatican. The book also covers the time of the building of Saint Peter’s Basilica.
This book gives you a glimpse into what must have been like for an artist of this time. It consumed every part of life. While their art is priceless today, they were paid very little for it. They had no life outside of art. The competition was fierce. Yet they felt the pressure to leave this earth with the body of their work. And we are all very grateful that they did.
Although it had been recommended tome, I had not read the authors first book, Oil and Marble, before reading this one. It is not necessary that you read them in order. I since have gone back and read Oil and Marble. From that book I did learn more about the life of Michelangelo. If you enjoy Italy or art or reading historical fiction, you don’t wanna miss this book.

I enjoyed this book. It gave me great insight into the life and times of Raphael. The book had good historical perspective.

Thank you to NetGalley, Skyhorse Publishing, and Arcade for the ARC in exchange for an honest review of this delightful novel.

What can I say about Raphael, Painter in Rome besides I love it and I had a great time with this novel? What I love the most about it is while it’s informative and entertaining, the love Stephanie Storey has for her subject is felt with every word. It is her love and knowledge that reinvigorated my interest in art history, particularly Renaissance artists, and Raphael. I was not familiar with Oil and Marble, but this book made me check that one out.

Raphael, Painter in Rome is equal parts art history and political intrigue. It details the history of Rome and Raphael’s years among the Vatican court. Raphael is the ideal courtesan to most people—handsome, young, beautiful, and a brilliant painter but beyond that he is highly ambitious and wants to create miracles by making the world a more beautiful place. The novel is through his eyes and his obsession with Michelangelo who has been commissioned to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Through this novel, the reader is transported to 16th century Italy and Raphael goes from a naïve and slightly arrogant young man to a revered and tempered artist.

Through the novel we are introduced to characters who are real life figures such as—Pope Julius II, Felice della Rovere, Bramante, Imperia Cognati, Agostino Chigi, Sodoma, and the love of his life, Margherita Luti. Leonardo da Vinci even makes cameo appearances among many others. While dreaming of working on the ceiling for the Sistine Chapel there are wars and riots happening outside the walls. Michelangelo and Raphael are pitted together.

What connects me to Raphael so much is that the book doesn’t skim over important details of his life such as his ambition, loneliness, inner demons, commitment issues, and an unquenchable thirst for perfection. It’s not a tabloid on his storied sex life. Storey brings a figure that we’ve all known through history down to human size. He’s someone who has done many great things, but he is also someone was never seemed to be satisfied.

It is written with a modern tone because Raphael was perhaps the most modern-minded painters of that time. Most of this book is told through Raphael’s twenties and since I’m in my mid-twenties, he felt like someone that I could know. I think the author does a great job of filling in the gaps with her own interesting takes on what could have happened behind the scenes. There is nothing that is terribly ahistorical about this book. After reading the author’s note at the end, I could see how Storey came up with those conclusions.

This is a great book for those interested in Renaissance art, art history, Italiophiles, history buffs, and lovers of historical fiction. Raphael is one of my favorite artists of all time, so it was nice to read this book from his perspective by someone who seems to love him as well. I look forward to reading more by this author and I will be cheering for the book’s success!

My rating 5/5 based on my interest in this subject as well as a well-written, beautiful, and thoughtful novel told from the perspective of a shockingly modern Raphael who died way too soon.

Stephanie Storey did it again! I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an objective review. But I chose to read this book based on the strength of Storey's previous book "Oil and Marble." This book did not let me down!
I'll start with the one thing that kept me from giving this book the fifth star: the first-person account in the voice of Raphael himself was awkward a couple of times. I never did figure out who he was writing to (maybe I missed that), but he broke his narrative and face explanations for things that seemed like they would have been ordinary knowledge at the time. A better approach would be to design the narrative to we're able to figure that out in our own instead.
Okay, now that my complaint is out of the way, I will begin the gushing.
The characterization of this novel is amazing. I am an art lover. I've seen the Sistine and I experienced the breathless feeling of looking up at it. I failed to realize how close im I was to the Raphael rooms and I missed seeing them. After reading this book, I feel like I missed out on one of the greatest artistic achievements of all time. But in some sense, I am okay with that because Storey makes me feel the achievement side of Raphael's work. I agree with the sentiments that Storey puts into Raphael's words about beauty. Beauty is what makes me love art. I love how Raphael wrestles with the beauty in Michaelangelo's work. He can't deny that the beauty draws him in, grasps him, makes him feel something, and then tells him something about reality.
I think Storey gives a nicely balanced portrayal of the Popes. As a Catholic, that impressed me. She helps us see that Popes are men, with opinions and personalities, and vices. While many complain about the opulence of the Vatican, we see that the other side of that is the use of wealth to glorify God through art. Yes, how many mouths could the money feed, but how many people over hundreds of years have been fed spiritually by gazing upon these works?
I'm not going to spoil the ending, but it is one of great love. Raphael finds that he can love Michaelangelo as an artist and as a person, even though their work and personalities are different. It is such an important lesson for our time and i wonder if a way to unity is through the arts. After all, when something is undeniably beautiful, can't we appreciate it together, share with one another how it speaks to us, and appreciate how that thing if beauty is able to move us in such different ways?

If you love a good story, are interested in Renaissance culture, enjoy history, or just want to read something that will truly pull you in and not let go until long after you've read the last page then this book is for you.

In Stephanie Storey's Raphael, Painter in Rome the reader is drawn into the rich world of Renaissance art, political intrigue, and religion. Storey easily brought Raphael to life in this historical novel and in turn, easily achieved her goals. I suggest readers follow the author's suggestion and look up the art and even the people that are being discussed as you read because doing so truly adds to the story, even if you already know a lot about the time period. I am often a little nervous about reading a historical novel about an actual person, but Storey created a biography "esque" novel that doesn't distract from the facts but rather enhances and truely makes Raphael come alive. The vivid imagery, the rich characters, and the easy to flow narrative makes this a beautiful piece of literature.

The mix of actual events and embellished dialogue are the perfect mix of history and fiction. I enjoyed and felt the author's notes, explanations, and even the bibliography are wonderful additions. 

Thank you, NetGalley and publisher for the ebook ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Interesting book which kept me reading. Loved the rivalry between Raphael & Michaelangelo - the characters really came to life and vivid descriptions - did drag a bit in the middle - but overall a very enjoyable read

Thanks to NetGalley for the free copy! I am so happy this book came to me..I loved the subject and reading of these fascinating, talented men and their art. Beautifully written, informative (I googled a lot 😉), and such details!! I fully felt immersed in this world by her writing, especially the way she had Raphael personally talking to the reader!
Quickly added her other book to my tbr pile.

If you've never visited the Vatican, this book will convince you to. And if you have already, you will recognize every nook and cranny shown. Raphael himself takes the reader on a fast paced ten year journey, telling his story as it unfolds. What an astounding work of historical fiction! It's clear from the start the writer has done extensive research. All Raphael's contemporaries are in, famous works of art show up on every other page and life at the start of the sixteenth century is present in all its glorious and gory details.
Raphael has a great sense of humor, dark and sarcastic at times, but always on the lookout for beauty. Painting life as it should be, not the harsh reality in front of him, thus creating miracles that bring hope to the masses.
The ongoing competition with Michelangelo is vividly descripted, each artist battling to be the greatest one that ever lived. This book should be required reading for every history and art buff alive, being both fascinating and delicious!

Thank you Netgalley and Arcade for the ARC.