The official records point to a fever, but the nature and severity of this fever remain subjects of historical and medical speculation. Another prominent theory suggests he suffered a sudden apoplectic stroke (cerebral hemorrhage), possibly linked to his notoriously indulgent lifestyle, which included rich foods and frequent sexual activity.
Raphael's Sudden Stroke: What Really Caused His Death
The ambiguity itself speaks to the fragility of life in the pre-modern world, where even the most gifted individuals were vulnerable to the whims of illness. While popular history often simplifies complex medical events, the reality of what Raphael died from involves a combination of acute illness and the medical understanding of 1520 Rome.
His death occurred just weeks after the death of his rival, Sebastiano del Piombo, and rumors even suggested that grief or shock from this news may have played a role, though this is largely anecdotal. He had been working feverishly on multiple commissions, including the monumental Transfiguration for the French church of San Pietro in Montorio.
Raphael's Sudden Stroke: What Likely Caused His Rapid Decline
His lifestyle as a womanizer and gourmand was well-documented, contributing to theories of a debilitated constitution. His studio continued to produce work based on his designs, ensuring his influence persisted long after his death.
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