Michelangelo Baits Raffaello in the Villa Farnesina

In the beautifully decorated Loggia of the Galatea in the Villa Farnesina, one particular image stands out. It is a monochromatic drawing of a man’s head, a stark contrast to the brightly colored frescoes and landscapes that otherwise fill the room. Longstanding rumors attribute this remarkable work to Michelangelo who left it to spite his competitor, Raffaello, who was too busy dallying with his amorous affairs to complete his painting.

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