Both old and new figures appear in Raphael’s “The School of Athens”
Image: http://www.dustinhetrick.com/art/school_athens.jpg
Info: The School of Athens, 1509-1510, fresco, 200 in x 300 in, Apostolic Palace, Rome, Vatican City.
Explanation: “The School of Athens” really showcases the division in Renaissance philosophy, although it is set in classical times. The two greatest Greek philosophers walk together, holding their books and discussing their thoughts. Plato, on the left, points upward, suggesting that the meaning of life is bigger than the physical world. Aristotle opposes him, holding his hand towards the Earth and arguing that meaning can be derived from the concrete world. It’s been suggested that Plato’s red and orange clothing is colored fire and air; Aristotle wears blue and brown (water and earth).
On either side of them, the men are surrounded by their Greek supporters, which Raphael painted to resemble his contemporaries. Plato looks like Leonardo DaVinci; at the bottom of the steps, Heraclitus as Michelangelo slumps against a block. Holding a compass is Bramante shown as Euclid. Raphael himself is in the painting, on the far right side as Apelles. He is staring right at the viewer, as if questioning their opinion of the piece.
The building is in the classical style and is designed as a Greek cross, which shows a compromise between pagan and Christian theologies (some even think that it was preview of St. Peter’s Basilica!). There are two sculptures in the background which correlate to the men’s philosophies – on the left, Apollo, god of sun, archery, and music; on the left, Athena, goddess of wisdom.
Design-wise, this piece utilizes linear perspective to show 3-D objects on a two dimensional surface, culminating in a vanishing point above the Plato and Aristotle’s heads. This draws the viewer’s eye to the most important part of the painting. The piece is also symmetrical; there is a transition from philosophy to science as the eye moves from left to right.
My opinion: The High Renaissance is my favorite! This piece embodies a few of the things I love the most – the colorful style of painting, the realistic depiction of clothes, and the incorporation of detailed architecture into the scene.
I think Raphael was brilliant for projecting the famous figures onto people he saw regularly. The only person without a contemporary’s face is Socrates, which makes me wonder what that means… hm.
Sources: http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/SchoolAthens.htm, http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/html/r/raphael/4stanze/1segnatu/1/athens.html,
http://mv.vatican.va/4_ES/pages/z-Patrons/MV_Patrons_04_01.html.
