Here are some of his key contributions:
1. Elegance and Harmony: Raphael's art is characterized by its refined beauty, balanced compositions, and serene atmosphere. He brought a sense of classical harmony to his paintings, which contrasted with the more dramatic and dynamic style of Michelangelo. His works like "The School of Athens" and "The Transfiguration" demonstrate this elegant approach to depicting complex narratives and figures.
2. Idealized Beauty: Like his contemporaries, Raphael was deeply interested in classical art and philosophy. He sought to portray figures with idealized beauty and proportion, reflecting the humanist ideals of the Renaissance. His Madonnas are particularly known for their serene beauty and gentle grace.
3. Color and Light: Raphael's paintings are known for their harmonious use of color and light, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. He mastered the use of sfumato, a technique of blending colors to create soft transitions, which Leonardo da Vinci had pioneered.
4. Humanism: Raphael's art is deeply rooted in humanist ideals, emphasizing the dignity and potential of humanity. His paintings often depict historical figures, mythological subjects, and religious scenes in a way that celebrates human reason, virtue, and achievement.
5. Influence and Legacy: Despite not initiating a revolutionary shift in art, Raphael's influence was immense. His work inspired countless artists throughout the Renaissance and beyond. He established a refined and balanced style that became a cornerstone of the High Renaissance and influenced subsequent art movements.
In summary, while Raphael didn't revolutionize art in the same way as his contemporaries, he played a vital role in shaping and solidifying the aesthetic ideals of the High Renaissance. His elegant compositions, idealized beauty, harmonious use of color, and humanist themes have left a lasting mark on the history of Western art.