Poetry (Stanza della Segnatura) - Raphael
Archival giclée
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Description
A circular fresco depicting the allegorical figure of Poetry, created by Raphael for the Vatican's Stanza della Segnatura.
This circular composition, known as a tondo, represents the personification of Poetry. It is one of four allegorical figures painted by Raphael in the Stanza della Segnatura within the Vatican Museums. The figure sits centrally, crowned with a laurel wreath, holding a lyre in her left hand and a book in her right. Her gaze is directed upwards, suggesting divine inspiration. Two winged putti flank her, each holding a tablet inscribed with the words 'NVMI NE' and 'AFFLA TVR', which together form the Latin phrase 'Numine Afflatur', meaning 'inspired by the divine'.
The work demonstrates the technical mastery of the High Renaissance. Raphael employs a balanced, harmonious arrangement typical of his Roman period. The drapery of the figure's robes is rendered with soft, fluid lines, creating a sense of volume and weight. The background features a gold mosaic pattern, which provides a decorative contrast to the soft, rounded forms of the central figure and the clouds beneath the putti. The colour palette is restrained, focusing on earthy tones, deep blues, and the warm gold of the background.
Raphael was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate these papal apartments. The Stanza della Segnatura was intended to house the Pope's library, and the paintings reflect the intellectual pursuits of the era: Theology, Philosophy, Poetry, and Justice. This specific tondo sits above the Parnassus fresco, linking the visual representation of poetry to the broader classical themes explored in the room. The composition is designed to be viewed from below, accounting for the perspective of the viewer standing on the floor of the chamber. The work remains a primary example of the integration of classical iconography with Christian humanism during the early sixteenth century.
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Because every print is made to order, we don't offer change-of-mind returns, refunds or exchanges. If your order arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it free of charge — just contact us within 48 hours of delivery. See our refunds page for full details.
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Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Care and materials
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
Poetry (Stanza della Segnatura) - Raphael
Artist Biography
Raphael
He was born in Urbino, the son of a painter. His father died when he was eleven, and by his teens he was already working in the studio of Perugino, whose smooth, symmetrical compositions gave Raphael his starting point. He surpassed Perugino quickly. He studied Leonardo's sfumato and Michelangelo's anatomical intensity and absorbed both without losing his own clarity. The Madonnas from his Florentine period (the Madonna of the Goldfinch, the Sistine Madonna) have a serene perfection that has been imitated for five hundred years and never matched.
Pope Julius II summoned him to Rome in 1508, the same year he commissioned Michelangelo for the Sistine ceiling. Raphael painted the Stanze della Segnatura: four rooms in the Vatican whose frescoes include The School of Athens, the single most famous image of classical philosophy. Plato and Aristotle walk through an ideal architecture surrounded by every major thinker of the ancient world. Raphael painted Michelangelo into the scene as Heraclitus, brooding alone on the steps. Michelangelo was furious.
He ran a large workshop that produced portraits, altarpieces, tapestry designs, and architectural plans. He was appointed architect of St Peter's Basilica. He was charming, diplomatic, and universally liked, which made Michelangelo dislike him even more.
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