AllMovie

From the Portrait of an Artist series comes a three-part program reappraising the work of Italian painter and architect Raphael. Part one of the program, The Apprentice Years examines Raphael's life and work up to the age of 25. It was during this period that the Renaissance artist developed his craft under the influence of such masters as Leonardo and Michelangelo. Raphael is considered the central painter of the High Renaissance. This video explores the qualities embodied in Raphael's piece Madonna and Child. It was filmed on-location in places where the artist lived and worked, and includes the beautiful landscapes and historic architecture of Urbino, Perugia, Rome, and Florence. David Thompson, former art critic for the London Times, wrote and narrated the program.