Warm Colors:
* Reds: From deep crimson to vibrant scarlet, Raphael used various shades of red to create a sense of warmth, energy, and passion.
* Oranges: These hues, often used in drapery and skin tones, added richness and depth to his compositions.
* Yellows: Golden yellows were prominent in his depictions of light and celestial bodies, symbolizing divinity and power.
Cool Colors:
* Blues: Deep blues, often used for the sky and clothing, provided a sense of tranquility and distance.
* Greens: Verdant greens represented nature and serenity.
Neutral Colors:
* Whites: Used extensively for highlights, creating a sense of luminosity and purity.
* Browns: Employed for earth tones and shadows, adding depth and realism to his works.
Other Notable Color Techniques:
* Sfumato: Raphael used this technique, popularized by Leonardo da Vinci, to create soft transitions between colors, especially in skin tones, achieving a sense of naturalism.
* Chiaroscuro: The use of light and shadow was key to Raphael's style, adding dimension and dramatic effect to his compositions.
Specific Examples:
* The School of Athens (1509-1511): This fresco utilizes a wide range of colors, from warm reds and oranges to cool blues and greens, creating a sense of depth and movement.
* The Sistine Madonna (1512-1513): Here, Raphael uses vibrant reds and blues, as well as warm skin tones, to create a dramatic and emotional composition.
* Portrait of Baldassare Castiglione (1514-1515): This portrait showcases Raphael's mastery of subtle color transitions, capturing the sitter's personality through a palette of warm browns and subtle hues.
It's important to note that the actual colors used in Raphael's works may appear slightly different today due to fading and aging. However, his color choices remain influential, demonstrating his skill in using color to evoke emotion, create depth, and bring his subjects to life.