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Secondary sourceNewspaper article

Raphael and Michael Angelo

Edward Henry Michelsen

A 19th-century magazine essay from Once a Week describing the rivalry between Raphael and Michelangelo.

A secondary essay recounting the famous rivalry between Raphael and Michelangelo, shaping his later reputation.

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Source: Wikisource

About this source

What it is

This essay, published in the magazine Once a Week and written by Edward Henry Michelsen, discusses the rivalry between Raphael and Michelangelo. It describes a commission from Cardinal Farnese for fresco paintings and the jealousy said to exist between the two artists.

Why it matters

This piece shows how, long after their deaths, Raphael and Michelangelo were remembered together as great rivals, shaping the popular story of Renaissance art. It reflects on Raphael's reputation for grace and beauty compared to Michelangelo's power.

Look closer

  • Why might writers centuries later be interested in the rivalry between two famous artists?
  • How does the essay describe the different qualities of Raphael's and Michelangelo's work?
  • Can we be sure this story about jealousy and tricks is historically accurate, or is it partly legend?

This newspaper article is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Raphael on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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