Raphael played a central role in the decoration of the Vatican Stanze, where he worked from 1508 until his untimely death in 1520. His most ambitious project was the Sala di Costantino, a large reception hall designed for papal ceremonies. This room featured a series of frescoes depicting key moments in the life of Emperor Constantine, including the famous Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Raphael saw this as an opportunity to surpass his artistic predecessors, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, by creating a grand historical and dramatic cycle. He meticulously planned the frescoes, incorporating his deep interest in archaeology and classical history, but unfortunately, he passed away before the execution of the battle scene began. His close assistants, particularly Giulio Romano, took over the project, ensuring that Raphael's original vision was largely maintained.

The Battle of the Milvian Bridge, the most dramatic fresco in the room, depicted Constantine's victory over Maxentius—a pivotal event symbolizing the triumph of Christianity over paganism. The composition was highly ambitious, featuring a complex array of figures, horses, and dynamic movement that reflected Raphael's mastery of narrative storytelling. His preparatory studies showcased his meticulous approach to anatomy, movement, and emotion, with surviving sketches revealing his focus on the expressions and gestures of soldiers in the heat of battle. Although Raphael did not live to see the completion of the fresco, his designs profoundly influenced later artists such as Rubens and Delacroix, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest painters of the Renaissance.