Raphael's portrait of Baldassare Castiglione from the Mazarin collection in the Louvre

Portrait of the Italian Renaissance writer and diplomat Baldassare Castiglione (1478–1529), known as the author of The Book of the Courtier, which describes the court of Urbino in the form of a manual of etiquette. Castiglione gives particular attention to moderation and courtesy, regarding them as proof of civilisation.

This remarkable portrait, from the Mazarin collection, was painted by Raphael. It can be seen in the Louvre among other masterpieces that one may admire in perfect peace while thousands of people hurry to the Salle des États to catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa.

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September digest: archaeological finds, exhibitions, museums, theatre and the Church

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Raphael's portrait of Baldassare Castiglione from the Mazarin collection in the Louvre

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September digest: archaeological finds, exhibitions, museums, theatre and the Church

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