Here's why:
* Varied Complexity: Raphael's works ranged from small-scale portraits to monumental frescoes covering entire walls. The size, complexity, and detail of a piece would drastically impact the time required.
* Working Methods: Raphael wasn't a lone artist. He had a workshop of assistants who contributed to his paintings. This sharing of labor makes pinpointing the exact time Raphael himself spent on each work difficult.
* Unrecorded Data: We don't have detailed records of the exact time Raphael spent on each piece.
However, we can get an idea:
* Small-Scale Portraits: Raphael likely spent weeks or even months on a portrait, especially if it was commissioned by an important patron.
* Large Frescoes: Frescoes like those in the Vatican's Stanze della Segnatura would have taken years to complete, with Raphael overseeing and contributing to the project over a long period.
In conclusion, the time Raphael took to create a piece varied immensely depending on the size, complexity, and collaborative nature of the work.