The story of the Raphael Cartoons
Discover the story of these monumental works on paper – their commission, production and incredible survival
The Raphael Cartoons
The Raphael Cartoons are a set of seven full-scale designs for tapestry painted by Raphael (1483 – 1520), and are considered one of the greatest treasures of the Renaissance. They were commissioned in 1515 by Pope Leo X for the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel and depict the lives of the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul. The Cartoons have been on loan to the V&A from His Majesty The King since 1865.
Collection highlights
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Raphael Cartoon, The Miraculous Draught of Fishes (Luke 5: 1 – 11), cartoon for a tapestry, by Raphael, about 1515 – 16, Italy. Museum number: ROYAL LOANS.2. -
Raphael Cartoon, Christ's Charge to Peter (Matthew 16: 18 – 19 & John 21: 15 – 17), cartoon for a tapestry, by Raphael, about 1515 – 16, Italy. Museum number: ROYAL LOANS.3. -
Raphael Cartoon, The Conversion of the Proconsul also known as The Blinding of Elymas (Acts 13: 6 – 12), cartoon for a tapestry, by Raphael, about 1515 – 16, Italy. Museum number: ROYAL LOANS.8. -
Raphael Cartoon, The Death of Ananias (Acts 5: 1 – 5), cartoon for a tapestry, by Raphael, about 1515 – 16, Italy. Museum number: ROYAL LOANS.5. -
Raphael Cartoon, The Healing of the Lame Man (Acts 3: 1 – 8), cartoon for a tapestry, by Raphael, about 1515 – 16, Italy. Museum number: ROYAL LOANS.4. -
Raphael Cartoon, Paul Preaching at Athens (Acts 17: 16 – 34), cartoon for a tapestry, by Raphael, about 1515 – 16, Italy. Museum number: ROYAL LOANS.7. -
Raphael Cartoon, The Sacrifice at Lystra (Acts 14: 8 – 18), cartoon for a tapestry, by Raphael, about 1515 – 16, Italy. Museum number: ROYAL LOANS.6.
Features
Header image: Raphael Cartoon, The Miraculous Draught of Fishes (Luke 5: 1 – 11), cartoon for a tapestry, by Raphael, about 1515 – 16, Italy. Museum number: ROYAL LOANS.2. Photo: © Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Courtesy Royal Collection Trust / Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 2021