A study was conducted at the Research Laboratory of the Museums of France in the works of Raphael, conserved in French collections, on the 500-year anniversary of the birth of the master. Radiography and physiochemical analyses of pictorial layers made it possible to study the preparation of the supports, the stratigraphy of the layers, and the nature of the pigments and binders, and occasionally revealed significant changes. A refined mixture of pigments was used to paint complexions and calculated effects were achieved through the superimposition of glazing. Infrared photographs and reflectograms revealed the underdrawings in charcoal or brush, pounced cartoons, evidence for possible collaboration between the master and his students, and various pentimenti. -- AATA