The Baronci Altarpiece is Raphael's first documented work

By the time Raphael was born, Urbino had developed into a major cultural hub thanks to Federico da Montefeltro's support of the fine arts. Raphael's early skill development was stimulated by the city's vibrant culture, and because of his father's position, he had access to many significant painters of the age. Raphael's extraordinary talent is demonstrated by the fact that, in 1500, when he was only in his twenties, he received a contract to assist in the creation of the Baronci Altarpiece for a church in Castello, a village close to Urbino, and was referred to as a "master." It is Raphael's first known piece of work, finished on September 13, 1502.

St. Nicholas is seen in the painting standing in the doorway with angels by his side and the devil at his feet. This artwork was commissioned for Citta di Castello's Andrea Baronci of Saint Agostino church chapel, which is located there. This painting has a size of 31 by 27 centimeters.

The painting was stored in the chapel until a local earthquake severely damaged the building. The Baronci Altarpiece was damaged during the earthquake and its pieces were conserved in various museums. The artwork is still one of the most magnificent depictions of this brave saint, who is well-known in the Catholic Church for his deeds of charity.