Below, MADONNA OF THE MEADOW, 1505, (oil on wood), Venice.

In 1508, he was commissioned to Rome to produce an expansive style composition. His arched frescoes included, The School of Athens', in which it is said to have included not only himself, but Da Vinci as well. In 1514, he was appointed architect of St. Peter's, and also decorator of the lateral walls of the Sistine Chapel, adjoining the works of his rival, Michelangelo. However, his tapestry style differed greatly from Michelangelo's fresco style.

His Sistine Madonna has set off many conversations concerning the expressions of Mary and baby Jesus, yet no one has been able to decipher their meanings. His many compositions of Madonna and child include- 'Madonna of the Meadow', 'Madonna with child and infant St. John', and 'Madonna and child St. John the Baptist', all influenced by Da Vinci's, 'Madonna and child with St. Anne'. Raphael's were simplistic and intimate, which was uncomon in 15th century art.

In addition to his many paintings,, he also designed tapestries and was put in charge of all Papal projects involving architecture, painting, decoration, and preservation of antiquities.

His last work was an enormous altarpiece entitled, Pieta, which went unfinished due to his untimely death. He died on his 37th birthday, and was buried in the Pantheon in Rome. The Pope has said to have wept bitterly at his passing, and had intended on making him a cardinal. The sculpture was finished by his Raphael's assistant, Guilio Romano.