Raphael The School Of Athens

The School of Athens is a painting completed by Raphael between 1509 and 1511. It is a famous fresco that brings together all the great minds of the classical world. Many believe that every scholar and profound thinker is represented in this painting. Raphael was one of the great artists that lived and created famous works of art during the Renaissance. He even painted himself in amongst the figures of The School of Athens. This painting is Raphael’s greatest masterpiece, and many consider it one of the pinnacles of High Renaissance art. In 1508 Raphael was called to Rome by Pope Julius II and was entrusted with a series of paintings to be done in rooms of the Apostolic Palace known as the Stanze. These rooms are located in the Vatican. The four fresco paintings Raphael was charged with represent law, theology, philosophy, and poetry. Philosophy is depicted in The School of Athens. These paintings are Raphael’s interpretation of the Humanist thinking of the Renaissance. The School of Athens shows the harmony of Greek and Christian philosophy that humanists regarded at
Raphael’s father died when he was only 11, and Raphael took over the formidable job of running his father’s studio. He was very successful at it and was soon recognized as one of the best artists in town. In 1500 Raphael began an apprenticeship with Perugino that carried on for four years. He was able to get hands-on experience and developed his own distinct style during this time. Raphael’s apprenticeship ended in 1504, and he moved to Florence. Here he studied the works of other great artists of the time, like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Fra Bartolommeo, further developing his individual technique. In 1509 he began work on the fresco cycle that included The School of Athens. This painting highlighted the humanistic principles he was taught as a child in