Portrait of Pope Julius II
Artist	Raphael
Year	1511-1512
Medium	Oil on wood
Location	National Gallery of London, UK
Dimensions	43 in × 31.8 in
	108 cm × 80.7 cm

The Portrait of Pope Julius II was created in 1511-1512 by Raphael. Pope Julius II was a popular painting subject for this artist as well as his students. Raphael actually painted several different portraits of the Pope, which are found all over the world today. All of them are different from one another, which makes each of them unique.

The way this portrait was presented was different from most others during that time period. Generally there would be portraits showing the subject kneeling. This painting was intimate and far different from what people were used to seeing. Most painters continued to paint this way after seeing this piece of art. It was actually responsible for establishing a new way papal portraits were done.

Who is Raphael?

Raphael, otherwise known as Rafaello Sanzio da Urbino, was an Italian painter and architect. He was one of the great artists of the High Renaissance. He created several different works of art during his time, although he did pass away at an early age.

What does the painting look like?

In this piece the Pope is sitting in a chair deep in thought. He has both a sad and serious expression on his face. He is wearing white and red robes while sitting in a red chair adorned with gold accents. The background is a darker shade of green that has texture on it.

Facts about the Portrait of Pope Julius II

» It hangs in the National Gallery in London, but was previously thought to be in the Uffizi Gallery.

» After being created it was hung at the gates of Rome for high holy days and special feasts.

» The piece is 43 inches by 31.8 inches and was made with oil on a wood canvas.

» There were nine repetitions of this portrait created by Raphael and his scholars.

» This style portrait influenced papal portraiture for two centuries.