Which artwork was painted by Raphael?

• A. The Penitent Magdalene
• B. Apollo and Daphne
• C. The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp
• D. The Sistine Madonna

Answer: (D)

Raphael’s work is defined by harmonious composition and refined, idealized figures that convey calm and clarity. The Sistine Madonna showcases this approach brilliantly: painted in the early 1500s, it presents Mary holding the Christ Child, flanked by saints, with two gentle angels at the bottom. The figures are arranged with balanced geometry, the light and color are modeled softly to create a serene, uplifting mood, and the overall harmony is distinctly Rafaelian. The other titles come from artists with different styles—Caravaggio’s Penitent Magdalene with dramatic realism, Rembrandt’s Anatomy Lesson with stark, dramatic lighting, and Apollo and Daphne representing another tradition—so they are not works by Raphael.