The final years of Raphael’s life are marked by an almost frenzied activity. There were ambitious projects at the Vatican for Pope Leo X including the cartoons for the Sistine Chapel tapestries and new architectural projects; for the papal banker Agostino Chigi he designed a multi-media chapel at S. Maria del Popolo, and light-hearted classicising fresco decorations at the Villa Farnesina. To cope with this workload, he relied on his talented workshop, testifying to his brilliance as a coordinator of large projects. Raphael died at the height of his powers, on his 37th birthday, 6th April 1520, having achieved social status, fame and fortune unprecedented for an artist. His artistic development in this short space of time is more remarkable still.