TUTTO RAFFAELLO -The Complete Works of Raphael Sanzio from Urbino – MASTERCLASS – Virtual Tour
During lockdown we discovered Mario and his wonderful virtual tours and visits. The man is a marvel - his knowledge is extensive and he has a wonderful way of sharing... read more it with his audience. So often he starts by saying the virtual visit/talk will last an hour and suddenly you realise that almost two hours have gone by! He is a delight to listen to and I can highly recommend his virtual events.
Mr. Bernardi is a knowledgable. professional,and enthusiastic tour guide.
He explains in a remarkable way the story behind the Sistine Chapel's stunning ceiling, sharing details and facts going... read more along with everything.
During the "walk" my attention and interest were highly engaged throughout the virtual tour which allowed me to view the beauty of the paintings up close.
It blew my mind!
I highly suggest this virtual tour. It is a MUST.
During the lockdowns I learnt to appreciate a new way to deliver artistic and cultural experiences by attending many of Mario's virtual tours. It has been a great discovery, for... read more the tours are informative, interactive and engaging. I found them enjoyable and useful not only to travel and feel somewhere else "virtually", but now that it is possible to travel again, they will still serve a purpose of preparatory research before visiting the actual places, in order to better appreciate and understand them. Recommended. …
Our friends put us in touch with Mario about 4 months before our trip and we were in regular contact with him about our plans. He was highly responsive... read more and professional in our interactions.
In Italy we spent half a day with Mario at Pompeii and another half day in Rome and they were both wonderful. He is highly knowledgeable and able to communicate his knowledge in an informative entertaining way. He was flexible in making and changing plans and responding to our requests. It was great!
Mario also arranged for our travel to and from the Amalfi Coast (beginning after we toured Pompeii). The drivers he provided were of the highest caliber, friendly and also highly experienced driving the sometimes very challenging mountain roads.
Thanks for helping to make our trip such a success!!
My husband I attended Mario's Caravaggio virual tour on a Zoom presentation.
It was the third such presentation we have been involved in, and we absolutely loved it!
Mario... read more is extremely knowledgeable and his presentations are always interesting. I particularly like his use of Ultra high definition pictures that allowed us to take an almost microscopic lookout the painting detail in many instances, it was amazing.
He also laces his presentations with humour, and allows his own character to shine through.
We will definitely be looking to do more online presentations and, when covid permits our travels back to Italy will certainly be taking personal tours of Rome with you too.
Keep up the ke great work, many thanks and kind regards, Adrian and Sara.
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.

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.

The Grand Tour Europe Ltd
Unique Guided Tours
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Tel +390692928173
Registered Address:
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London – N1 7GU
United Kingdom
Company number: 08171172
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