TUTTO RAFFAELLO -The Complete Works of Raphael Sanzio from Urbino – MASTERCLASS – Virtual Tour
Mario has lead us around the famous chapel and I'd like to thank him, because I visited a lot of times that site but, with Mario's knowledge of italian art... read more and gather to 3D images and the flight of 360° around the vault, I have never seen in this way. He has gave us the possibility to climb the whole Chapel and the care of "PARTICULARE" like the Francesco GUICCIARDINI, Mario has shown us the essence of one of the most important masterpiece of the universal art. Thank you and I'am looking for the next virtual visit... Bravo!
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.
Mario’s virtual tours are absolutely fantastic. Have experienced many of his talks online, eg Borghese Gallery, St. Peter’s , Santa Maria Maggiore, Villa D’Este, talks on Caravaggio and many, many... read more more. All excellent and outstanding. The virtual talks allow you to “visit” places of interest in Italy from your own home. Mario is so knowledgeable about Italian art and architecture. He makes the art and buildings come alive for us. Honestly, his presentations are so good. Highly recommended.
My wife and I toured the most famous sites of Venice, plus a few behind-the-scenes spots, for a full day with Cristina. She was amazing! Cristina conveyed the rich history... read more of Venice, back to the days of its inception with barbarians forcing the local Romans into hiding in the archipelago of islands which is now the Venice we know. We navigated in and out of St. Marks and the Doge's Palace, through the crowds, never having to wait for admission. In St. Mark's she took us up to the altar, and the sarcophagus of St. Mark, and showed us the great gilded Byzantine altarpiece turned currently away from the sanctuary. Behind the busy square, we popped into the small workshop of one of the few remaining Remeri, the carpenters who specialize in creating the forcola and oars for the gondolas (like stepping back in time). In a city which could appear like little more than an anachronism and tourist trap, this tour highlighted an Italian city with a very special and rich history, and ongoing artists, musicians, and craftsmen who keep alive the creativity we cherish in the Italian culture. Kudos to Cristina, and the Grand Tour Team!
Flying over roofs of Firenze, to have a look into the galleries of Uffizi, to see Santa Maria Novella from above and then to jump over the undulating hills of... read more Tuscany to Milano, go down to see the Sforza Castle and to hear how Leonardo da Vinci entertained Ludovico Moro and his court with gigantic machinery and robotic monsters, even to see it enacted on film – it seems that the pleasure of travelling returns to us, with more joy than before. And yes, it can be done now, in these tumultuous times, despite of all the restrictions imposed on travelling. Just take a virtual tour organized and guided by Mario. With his knowledge of Italian art and culture, he zooms us through the land and history with enthusiasm. So far, I have taken quite a few of these tours and plan to go for more. It is an immense pleasure for me, it is a journey like no other, and also a flight over the memory lane, with the warm feeling of satisfaction, I’m sure you all know why. Try it!
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.

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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