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The Scene and Composition:
"The Miraculous Draft of Fishes," a fresco by Raphael, captures a moment from the New Testament, specifically from the Gospel of Luke (5:1–11). The painting depicts Jesus instructing Simon Peter (later known as Saint Peter) and his companions to cast their nets into the sea after a long, unsuccessful night of fishing. As they follow His instruction, their nets become miraculously filled with an overwhelming number of fish.

The painting is set on the calm waters of Lake Gennesaret, with the rolling hills and serene landscape forming the backdrop. Raphael's composition cleverly divides the painting into distinct focus areas, drawing the viewer into the miraculous event with seamless harmony.

Central Figures:
- Jesus Christ: Clad in a combination of pink and blue, Jesus stands calmly at the helm of the boat, His right hand raised in a gesture of blessing and guidance.
- Simon Peter: Positioned prominently at the center, Peter is depicted in a gesture of astonishment, humility, and disbelief as he kneels before Christ. Raphael renders Peter in rich, earthy tones, encapsulating his rugged fisherman’s identity and emotional depth.
- The Fishermen: Raphael includes two additional disciples in the boat, engaged in the strenuous task of hauling the extraordinarily heavy net. Their muscular effort contrasts dynamically with the serene figure of Christ, emphasizing the physical and divine.

Use of Color and Light:
Raphael employs a delicate palette of blues, greens, and earth tones that masterfully capture the early morning light's reflection on the water surface. His adept use of chiaroscuro—the treatment of light and shadow—enhances the textures of the figures and the fluttering of the fish, creating an effect of divine illumination enveloping the scene.

Symbolism and Details:
The fish, symbolic of abundance, divine providence, and Jesus’ call to Peter to become a ‘fisher of men,’ are detailed meticulously. The movement of the water and the reflection of the figures in the lake showcase the serene yet miraculous nature of the moment.

Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio):
Born in 1483 in Urbino, Italy, Raphael was one of the most prominent painters and architects of the Italian Renaissance. His work is renowned for its clarity of form, ease of composition, and visual achievement of human grandeur. Raphael studied under the influence of masters like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo and significantly contributed to the High Renaissance's artistic developments.

Museum and Collection:
"The Miraculous Draft of Fishes" is part of the 'Raphael Cartoons for Tapestries,' a series commissioned by Pope Leo X for the Sistine Chapel. The original series of cartoons (full-size preparatory drawings) are housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The actual tapestries, woven based on Raphael's designs, are exhibited in the Vatican Museums.

Context in Raphael's Career:
This painting comes at a mature stage in Raphael's career, reflecting his mastery in creating depth, motion, and profound theological narrative through his art. This period saw Raphael balancing his duties as a painter and architect of the Vatican, producing works that left an indelible mark on Christian artistic traditions and Renaissance artistry.

Noteworthy Details:
- The painting’s harmonious blend of theological narrative and naturalism exemplifies Raphael's genius.
- It showcases Raphael's skill in integrating architectural and environmental elements into his compositions to heighten the narrative context.
- The miraculous event is depicted with human realism and divine transcendence, in line with the Renaissance ideal of merging the sacred and the secular.

"The Miraculous Draft of Fishes" remains a testament to Raphael’s enduring legacy in art history, embodying both the spiritual message and the aesthetic sophistication of the Renaissance.