* Expression: He captured subtle nuances in facial expressions, from gentle smiles to thoughtful frowns, to convey the sitter's inner state.
* Posture and Gesture: Raphael meticulously arranged his sitters' poses and gestures, often emphasizing their physical presence and highlighting their individuality.
* Clothing and Accessories: He used clothing and accessories to further characterize his subjects. The choice of fabrics, colors, and details like jewelry and hairstyles, all contributed to the overall impression of the sitter.
* Background and Setting: The backgrounds and settings Raphael chose for his portraits often provided context and hinted at the sitter's social status, profession, or interests.
* Light and Shade: He masterfully used light and shadow to sculpt the features of his subjects, creating a sense of depth and realism.
* Color Palette: The colors Raphael selected for each portrait were carefully chosen to complement the sitter's skin tones and attire, and to create a harmonious and evocative overall impression.
Overall, Raphael achieved a remarkable level of psychological insight in his portraits. He wasn't simply depicting physical likenesses, but rather capturing the very essence of his subjects' personalities. He was a master of conveying emotion, intelligence, and character through his art, making his portraits timeless and captivating.