TUTTO RAFFAELLO -The Complete Works of Raphael Sanzio from Urbino – MASTERCLASS – Virtual Tour
In these difficult times it is incredible how easy it is to have a trip around the world, and Mario is the best guide to make it real!
With... read more some friend we arrange a Private Guided Tour of the paint "Taking of Christ" by Caravaggio, one of the top italian painters!
Not only Mario accompanied us in Dublin, where this incredible paint is held, but also in Rome, in Scotland.... and back in time!!!
Great explanation of the art and the history behind a great italian artist!
Until the next one, Mario!
Mario was engaging and professional from the booking process through to the end of the tour. He was able to read the mood of the 2 couples and immediately... read more joined right in with our senses of humor. His knowledge of history and the city of Rome was refreshing. I recommend him very highly.
Cinque Terre and Lucca day tours These two tours were fabulous. To see Cinque Terre from the water was amazing and one we highly recommend. The views were... read more breath taking!! The water so very clear. The bet time to go is in September when the kids are back in school. Not as crowded but still fabulous weather. Virginia was our tour guide and Michael was our boat guide. Both spoke English very well. Our driver Antonio was awesome. To get us through the mountain safely was no easy task. Be sure to have the focaccia and the pesto pasta. The best! The next day we toured Lucca and finished at a local winery. Virginia was our guide again. Loved the consistency in tour guides. Antonio our driver as well. Both are from that region so they were very well versed on the history of the country. Again, we enjoyed local tastes of Lucca. You can’t go wrong with this tour agency. Well worth the price! Thanks for the wonderful memories. We’ll be recommending Mario and his tour group to our friends. Ciao Bella!
Mario has an unbelievable abiity to create a virtual experience by taking a person or a place, putting them in a setting of the art, music, and culture of the... read more time. Its extraordinarily entertaining. My wife and I have held 10 vritual cocktail parties for our friends.
Mario has provided entertainment for my companies prospects and clients. He is also speaking a several charity fund raising events. He has spoken a the downtown Rotary Club. He is so knowedgable that we pick a topic and he creates the experience. He is currently scheduled with a Rotary Networking group to talk on "The Racer and the Tractor maker: Ferrari vs Lamborghini, The Beatles: Graveyards and Submarines, and Dali: the Brillant but Bizzare Surrealist. So he is so much more that a tour guide.
I recently discovered Mario Bernardi's virtual tours of Italy's favorite destinations and magnificent art works. His vast knowledge of Italian history and art, together with his mastery of Google Earth,... read more Google Maps, Google Street View, 360 degree pictures and video resources bring his virtual tours to life. I strongly recommend his virtual tours to anybody who loves Italy and Italian art, or to anybody who is planning a trip to this wonderful country. I'm looking forward to traveling again and to joining one of his live tours.
My husband and I went to Italy in September 2021 for our honeymoon. Mario was with us for 3 days in Rome for the Baroque Rome walking tour, Ancient Rome... read more Walking tour, and the day at the Vatican. Mario was THE BEST!! He is so knowledgeable about all things Rome, every question we had he was able to answer in incredible detail. He is funny and entertaining and simply the best guide we could ask for. If you want to have a unique and informative experience during your Italy travels, please use Mario and his Grand Tour colleagues!

TUTTO RAFFAELLO
Mario Bernardi’s Masterclass on Raphael
Welcome to Mario Bernardi’s Masterclass on Raphael, an immersive journey into the life and works of one of the greatest artists in history. Raphael, a prodigy from Urbino, passed away on April 6, 1520, at the mere age of 37. Yet, in just two decades, he transformed the course of art history, becoming a cornerstone whose influence resonated through the next four centuries.
This masterclass offers a comprehensive exploration of Raphael’s complete works, from his early beginnings influenced by Perugino to his monumental projects in the Vatican and Papal commissions, culminating in the ‘Transfiguration’. Mario will guide you through Raphael’s astonishing yet brief career, where he not only created exquisite portraits and Madonnas but also led major architectural projects, including work on St. Peter’s Basilica.
Raphael’s art, characterised by evolving innovation yet rooted in classical traditions, set a benchmark for beauty and creativity. His solutions, poetic expressions, and ever-evolving artistry are a testament to his genius, challenging and inspiring artists who followed. Join us as we delve into Raphael’s life, understanding how his works became a touchstone for generations of artists, and uncovering the depths of his influence on the beauty and craftsmanship in the world of art.
Vol I: Raphael of Urbino: From Early Beginnings to Works in Umbria
In this first volume, we delve into the life of Raphael, a master whose artistry began in the quaint streets of Urbino. Born to the painter Giovanni Santi, Raphael’s talent was nurtured early in his father’s workshop. Despite the tragedy of losing his father as a teenager, Raphael’s resilience and passion for art kept the workshop thriving. This volume explores his collaborations with renowned artists like Perugino and Pinturicchio, highlighting his early works for affluent families in Central Italy, especially in Umbria. Discover lesser-known facts about his early influences and the evolution of his unique style in this engaging journey through Raphael’s formative years.
Vol II: Florence, the School of the World: Leonardo vs. Michelangelo
1504 marked a year of turmoil in Italy, yet it was a golden era for art in Florence. Renowned masters like Botticelli, Leonardo, and Michelangelo were creating their masterpieces in this free Republic. Amidst this, Raphael, driven by ambition, arrived in Florence. This volume captures his four transformative years in the city, where he was both a student and a rival to the greatest artists of his time. We unravel the dynamics of this artistic haven and Raphael’s quest for greatness, offering insights into his interactions and inspirations drawn from the artistic giants of the Renaissance.
Vol III: From Florence to Rome: The Rise of a Master
After his formative years in Florence, Raphael’s journey took a momentous turn when he was invited to Rome by Pope Julius II. This volume explores Raphael’s transformative Roman period, highlighting his significant works in the Vatican, including the famed Raphael Rooms. We uncover how Rome became the canvas for his genius, showcasing his evolution from a painter to a master of diverse artistic disciplines. This segment also offers insights into his lesser-known architectural works, solidifying Raphael’s reputation as a versatile and pioneering artist of the Renaissance.
Vol IV: Gli Anni del Trionfo Romano (The Years of Roman Triumph)
Raphael’s Roman period was marked by an array of artistic triumphs, encompassing painting, architecture, and beyond. In this volume, we delve into his most prolific years, where he served multiple Popes and noble families, not just in Rome but across Italy. Discover Raphael’s versatility as he juggled numerous projects, each reflecting his growing mastery and evolving style. We will also explore some of his lesser-known works, revealing how his influence extended beyond the common narratives of his life and art.
Vol V: Gli Ultimi Anni e l’Eredità di Raffaello (The Final Years and Legacy of Raphael)
The concluding volume of this series reflects on Raphael’s final years and his enduring legacy. Dying young at the age of 37, Raphael left behind a rich tapestry of works that continued to shape art for centuries. This segment not only covers his last artistic contributions, including the ‘Transfiguration’, but also examines the profound impact he had on the art world. We delve into how his innovative techniques and artistic philosophies influenced generations of artists and continue to inspire art lovers around the world.

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