The Museum of Fine Arts in Chartres has recently acquired a 19th-century painting depicting the legendary Renaissance master Raphael as a young apprentice. The oil on canvas work, titled "Raphael Introduced to Perugino," was created by French artist Pierre-Jérôme Lordon between 1820 and 1825.
Measuring 55 by 44 centimeters, the painting captures the moment when the young Raphael of Urbino was first introduced to his master, Pietro Perugino. Like many great Renaissance figures, Raphael's reputation has become intertwined with the myths and legends that surrounded the Italian masters of that era. Just as Cimabue is forever linked to his famous pupil Giotto, Perugino remains closely associated with his student Raphael, who according to art historian Giorgio Vasari, "far surpassed" his teacher.
The acquisition reflects the broader fascination that early 19th-century artists had with the legendary figures of the Italian Renaissance. These myths and stories about the great masters of the past served as powerful inspiration for artists of Lordon's generation, who were deeply influenced by the romantic idealization of artistic genius and precocity.
Pierre-Jérôme Lordon (1779-1838) was part of this artistic movement that celebrated the idea that true genius manifests itself from the earliest age. The concept of precocious talent was considered almost a contractual obligation for artistic greatness, and Raphael exemplified this notion perfectly, having demonstrated exceptional skill from his youth.
The painting now joins the collection at the Chartres Museum of Fine Arts, adding to the institution's holdings of 19th-century works that explore themes from art history and the Renaissance period. This acquisition represents the museum's continued commitment to preserving and displaying works that illuminate both the artistic achievements of the 19th century and their creators' reverence for the masters who came before them.
