Unveiling Vatican’s Raphael Rooms: A Decade-Long Restoration Reveals Hidden Artistic Innovations

The Vatican Museums recently lifted the veil on the final phase of a decade-long restoration project focused on the famed Raphael Rooms, treasured halls within the Apostolic Palace that have long stood as monuments of Renaissance artistic achievement. While hailed publicly as a triumph of cultural preservation, this restoration uncovers more than just vibrant colors; it exposes revolutionary, experimental techniques pioneered by Raphael himself—techniques that challenge prevailing narratives about Renaissance artistry. Central to this revelation is the discovery that Raphael employed oil painting directly onto walls, diverging from traditional fresco methods. This approach was unprecedented for its time and remained...