Raphael's death was primarily caused by a violent fever, which ultimately proved fatal due to a medical misdiagnosis. The circumstances surrounding his final weeks, as detailed by fellow painter Giorgio Vasari, shed light on how this condition led to his untimely demise.
The Chain of Events Leading to Raphael's Death
The progression of Raphael's illness and the subsequent medical error can be understood through the following sequence:
- Initial Illness: Raphael was struck with a sudden and violent fever.
- Contributing Circumstance: This fever reportedly occurred after a night of intense passion.
- Lack of Confession: Crucially, Raphael did not disclose the full details of his recent activities to his attending physicians.
- Medical Misdiagnosis: Unaware of the true cause of his distress, and believing he had simply overheated himself, the physicians implemented incorrect treatment methods.
- Fatal Outcome: This medical error prevented proper care, leading to his death at the age of 37 on Good Friday, April 6, 1520.
Historical Context and Interpretations
Raphael's death has been a subject of historical interest, with accounts like Vasari's "The Lives of the Artists" providing foundational information. Modern analyses sometimes reinterpret these historical descriptions, suggesting that the "violent fever" could have been a symptom of various serious conditions, but the consistent element remains the critical role of the misdiagnosis.
The tragic turn of events highlights the limitations of medical understanding in the 16th century and the profound impact of patient-physician communication on treatment outcomes.
