Portrait of Pope Julius II (by Raphael) Ceramic Tile

This design features a painting by the Italian Renaissance artist Raphael (1483–1520). It is a portrait of Giuliano della Rovere, Pope Julius II, elected in 1503 after one of the shortest conclaves ever. Pope Julius II commissioned some of the greatest works in western history, such as Raphael's decorated rooms in the Vatican and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling. However, Pope Julius II was depressed when this portrait was painted because the city of Bologna had seceded from the papal states. He expressed his grief at this political disaster by growing a beard, imitating what Renaissance humanists had discovered was an ancient form of mourning. The original artwork was painted by Raphael circa 1512.