Christmas. 500e anniversary of Raphael’s birth, 1983

Raphael (1483-1520) Italian High Renaissance Painter; born Raffaele Santi.

Raphael Santi was born in Urbino/Umbria on April 6, 1483. The boy was taught by his father Giovanni Santi, an honest painter. Raphael is 11 when his father dies. At age 16 he leaves for Perugia. He is admitted into the school of Il Perugino, his true teacher and master. In 1502/1503 he spent 15 months with Pinturicchio in Siena. For much more:

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12640c.htm

First Day Covers (FDC): Not known to exist with the series

FDC Block 55/56

Design and editor: S.A. Campo-Rodan N.V., Brussels-Belgium