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| Rome Celebrates the Short, but Beautiful, Life of Raphael | Rome Celebrates the Short, but Beautiful, Life of Raphael |
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| ROME — To commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Raphael, curators of the blockbuster exhibition that opened this week at the Scuderie del Quirinale exhibition space here have gone for a Benjamin Button approach. | ROME — To commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Raphael, curators of the blockbuster exhibition that opened this week at the Scuderie del Quirinale exhibition space here have gone for a Benjamin Button approach. |
| The exhibition starts by refreshing our memories about Raphael’s repute at the time of his unexpected death in 1520, when the Renaissance artist was still in his prime and enjoying A-list status. It then traces his artistic development in reverse, ending with his early years in Urbino, Italy, where he was born in 1483. | The exhibition starts by refreshing our memories about Raphael’s repute at the time of his unexpected death in 1520, when the Renaissance artist was still in his prime and enjoying A-list status. It then traces his artistic development in reverse, ending with his early years in Urbino, Italy, where he was born in 1483. |
| His untimely death at 37 is also a sobering “memento mori” at a time when the coronavirus outbreak has cast uncertainty over the world and caused the closure of schools, universities, theaters and museums across Italy. | His untimely death at 37 is also a sobering “memento mori” at a time when the coronavirus outbreak has cast uncertainty over the world and caused the closure of schools, universities, theaters and museums across Italy. |
| “Raphael was young when he died,” said Eike Schmidt, the director of the Uffizi Galleries in Florence, which organized the exhibition with the Scuderie and lent nine paintings and 49 drawings. “But, in any case, beauty is stronger, that is certainly the message that emerges from these works here.” | “Raphael was young when he died,” said Eike Schmidt, the director of the Uffizi Galleries in Florence, which organized the exhibition with the Scuderie and lent nine paintings and 49 drawings. “But, in any case, beauty is stronger, that is certainly the message that emerges from these works here.” |
| Unfortunately, he added, the coronavirus outbreak makes this message “topical.” | Unfortunately, he added, the coronavirus outbreak makes this message “topical.” |
| While some museums in the northern region of Lombardy closed because of the virus, those in Rome were open, for now, though visitors are expected to remain one meter — about three feet — apart from each other. | While some museums in the northern region of Lombardy closed because of the virus, those in Rome were open, for now, though visitors are expected to remain one meter — about three feet — apart from each other. |
| Mario De Simoni, the president of the organization that runs the Scuderie del Quirinale, said that few of the 60,000 pre-booked tickets for the Raphael exhibition had been canceled, so far. The show remains a unique experience, with more than 200 works on display, including 27 paintings by Raphael, insured overall for more than 3 billion euros: “The highest insurance ever stipulated in Italy,” he said. | Mario De Simoni, the president of the organization that runs the Scuderie del Quirinale, said that few of the 60,000 pre-booked tickets for the Raphael exhibition had been canceled, so far. The show remains a unique experience, with more than 200 works on display, including 27 paintings by Raphael, insured overall for more than 3 billion euros: “The highest insurance ever stipulated in Italy,” he said. |
| For centuries, Raphael’s art was idealized as the epitome of perfection, inspiring generations of artists, and the 120 autograph works on display — a mix of paintings and drawings — cement that reputation. | For centuries, Raphael’s art was idealized as the epitome of perfection, inspiring generations of artists, and the 120 autograph works on display — a mix of paintings and drawings — cement that reputation. |
| But the curators have also fleshed out the role Raphael played in the Rome of Pope Leo X (1513-21), when the artist turned his mind to architecture, archaeology and antiquarian studies in service of the grand project of reconstructing and preserving the ancient city. It was then that Raphael’s star shone brightest. | But the curators have also fleshed out the role Raphael played in the Rome of Pope Leo X (1513-21), when the artist turned his mind to architecture, archaeology and antiquarian studies in service of the grand project of reconstructing and preserving the ancient city. It was then that Raphael’s star shone brightest. |
| The tapestries he created under Leo X made his classical, canonical style celebrated across the world, said Sylvia Ferino Pagden, the art historian who led the exhibition’s scientific committee. Leo X commissioned those tapestries to decorate the walls of the Sistine Chapel, his contribution to the already renowned decorative program of the space where popes are elected. They were designed by Raphael and crafted in Pieter van Aelst’s workshop in Brussels. | The tapestries he created under Leo X made his classical, canonical style celebrated across the world, said Sylvia Ferino Pagden, the art historian who led the exhibition’s scientific committee. Leo X commissioned those tapestries to decorate the walls of the Sistine Chapel, his contribution to the already renowned decorative program of the space where popes are elected. They were designed by Raphael and crafted in Pieter van Aelst’s workshop in Brussels. |
| Raphael didn’t live long enough to see the tapestries in situ, but for one week last month, the Vatican exhibited all ten tapestries in the Sistine Chapel, as part of the Vatican Museums’ homage to the artist. | Raphael didn’t live long enough to see the tapestries in situ, but for one week last month, the Vatican exhibited all ten tapestries in the Sistine Chapel, as part of the Vatican Museums’ homage to the artist. |
| One of those tapestries, “The Sacrifice at Lystra,” is on loan from the Vatican, next to a high resolution digital facsimile of the cartoon, or preparatory drawing, of the scene which is on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. It is flanked by a small first-century funerary altar, also from the Vatican collection, and a second-century relief with a sacrificial scene from the Uffizi that demonstrate the deep influence of ancient art on the artist, a theme that is explored throughout the exhibition. | One of those tapestries, “The Sacrifice at Lystra,” is on loan from the Vatican, next to a high resolution digital facsimile of the cartoon, or preparatory drawing, of the scene which is on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. It is flanked by a small first-century funerary altar, also from the Vatican collection, and a second-century relief with a sacrificial scene from the Uffizi that demonstrate the deep influence of ancient art on the artist, a theme that is explored throughout the exhibition. |
| Raphael had plenty of hands-on experience with the classical. In 1515, Leo X commissioned him to conserve the ancient marbles and inscriptions of Rome, making the artist the first appointed caretaker of ancient art, a position that over the centuries evolved into Italy’s multifaceted artistic heritage administration of today. On display is one of the drafts of a now famous letter to Leo X written by Raphael and his friend Baldassare Castiglione, in 1519, about the need to protect and preserve Rome’s ancient monuments. | Raphael had plenty of hands-on experience with the classical. In 1515, Leo X commissioned him to conserve the ancient marbles and inscriptions of Rome, making the artist the first appointed caretaker of ancient art, a position that over the centuries evolved into Italy’s multifaceted artistic heritage administration of today. On display is one of the drafts of a now famous letter to Leo X written by Raphael and his friend Baldassare Castiglione, in 1519, about the need to protect and preserve Rome’s ancient monuments. |
| The letter is showcased alongside Raphael’s famous portrait of Castiglione, on loan from the Louvre, as well as Raphael’s portrait of Leo X with Cardinals Giulio de’ Medici and Luigi de’ Rossi, on loan from the Uffizi. The inclusion of this painting in the show caused a kerfuffle last month, after the Uffizi’s scientific committee resigned en masse in protest of the loan. The portrait, they said, was one of 23 works that should never leave the Uffizi because they were part of the identity of the collection. | The letter is showcased alongside Raphael’s famous portrait of Castiglione, on loan from the Louvre, as well as Raphael’s portrait of Leo X with Cardinals Giulio de’ Medici and Luigi de’ Rossi, on loan from the Uffizi. The inclusion of this painting in the show caused a kerfuffle last month, after the Uffizi’s scientific committee resigned en masse in protest of the loan. The portrait, they said, was one of 23 works that should never leave the Uffizi because they were part of the identity of the collection. |
| “The problem is not the exhibition, it’s the Uffizi,” said Tomaso Montanari, a professor of art history at the University for Foreigners in Siena, and a former member of the committee, which had advised against the loan. “Our job was to give advice, and create a policy with the director,” he said. But if the director ignores that advice, “it makes it difficult to stay,” he said. | “The problem is not the exhibition, it’s the Uffizi,” said Tomaso Montanari, a professor of art history at the University for Foreigners in Siena, and a former member of the committee, which had advised against the loan. “Our job was to give advice, and create a policy with the director,” he said. But if the director ignores that advice, “it makes it difficult to stay,” he said. |
| Updated June 16, 2020 | Updated June 16, 2020 |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. | Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. |
| States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. | Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. |
| The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. | The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. | If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. |
| Mr. Schmidt, the director of the Uffizi, said the painting had been restored recently, and was in prime condition to travel. | Mr. Schmidt, the director of the Uffizi, said the painting had been restored recently, and was in prime condition to travel. |
| The committee, he noted, had argued that the painting should remain at the Uffizi because it was “identified” with the city of Florence. Mr. Schmidt disagreed. “It may be identified with Florence, but also with Rome,” he said, because it is a portrait of a pope. | The committee, he noted, had argued that the painting should remain at the Uffizi because it was “identified” with the city of Florence. Mr. Schmidt disagreed. “It may be identified with Florence, but also with Rome,” he said, because it is a portrait of a pope. |
| Through delicate drawings, the exhibit retraces Raphael’s artistic foray in the papal palace, where he painted a vast corridor space under Leo X, through the papacy of Julius II, for whom he painted part of the building’s apartments known as Raphael’s Rooms. | Through delicate drawings, the exhibit retraces Raphael’s artistic foray in the papal palace, where he painted a vast corridor space under Leo X, through the papacy of Julius II, for whom he painted part of the building’s apartments known as Raphael’s Rooms. |
| Visitors to Rome can also see Raphael’s frescoes at the so-called Villa Farnesina, commissioned by the banker Agostino Chigi, a friend of the artist who died just a few days after Raphael. Sketches for those frescoes are on show here, as are those for the Chigi chapel in Santa Maria del Popolo, which Raphael also designed. | Visitors to Rome can also see Raphael’s frescoes at the so-called Villa Farnesina, commissioned by the banker Agostino Chigi, a friend of the artist who died just a few days after Raphael. Sketches for those frescoes are on show here, as are those for the Chigi chapel in Santa Maria del Popolo, which Raphael also designed. |
| That chapel was inspired by the Pantheon, the ancient monument Raphael so admired (his sketches of the monument are on exhibit) that he asked to be buried there. | That chapel was inspired by the Pantheon, the ancient monument Raphael so admired (his sketches of the monument are on exhibit) that he asked to be buried there. |
| His request was granted, and he was entombed on April 7, 1520, the day after his death. Factum Arte, the Madrid-based cultural conservation company, have created a scale model of the tomb, removing some later renovations. “There’s a lovely dialogue between here and the Pantheon,” said Adam Lowe, the company’s founder and director. | His request was granted, and he was entombed on April 7, 1520, the day after his death. Factum Arte, the Madrid-based cultural conservation company, have created a scale model of the tomb, removing some later renovations. “There’s a lovely dialogue between here and the Pantheon,” said Adam Lowe, the company’s founder and director. |
| Raphael’s sudden death devastated Rome. “All the hopes in him, and that idea of a golden age that would continue, were all of a sudden truncated,” said Ms. Ferino Pagden, the art historian. | Raphael’s sudden death devastated Rome. “All the hopes in him, and that idea of a golden age that would continue, were all of a sudden truncated,” said Ms. Ferino Pagden, the art historian. |
| Leonardo da Vinci lived to 67, Michelangelo to 88. We will never know how Raphael’s style would have developed, if he had lived longer, she said. “One can dream.” | Leonardo da Vinci lived to 67, Michelangelo to 88. We will never know how Raphael’s style would have developed, if he had lived longer, she said. “One can dream.” |
| RaphaelThrough June 2 at the Scuderie del Quirinale in Rome; scuderiequirinale.it. | RaphaelThrough June 2 at the Scuderie del Quirinale in Rome; scuderiequirinale.it. |