School Of Athens Research Paper

The School of Athens is a fresco by Raphael, commissioned by Pope Julius II during the High Renaissance. The fresco is in the Palace of the Vatican in a room called the Stanza della Segnatura. Originally a library at the beginning of the 16th century, this was a room for learning. Raphael rendered four frescoes, each representing one of the four branches of human knowledge: philosophy, theology, poetry and justice. Philosophy being considered part of the other areas of human thought, was significant. The School of Athens centered on the two great philosophers, Plato and Aristotle, with historical philosophers aligned on either associated side. The scene appears life-like, just as if they were walking while in conversation, however, the vanishing
point in the heavens suggests the school was not on the earth. The fresco portrays an open environment of learning where the greatest minds are discussing and sharing knowledge from across the generations. Plato and Aristotle, talking and walking, bringing Philosophy together in the direction of the church. The church is represented by the Disputation of the Holy Sacrament fresco, which is positioned within the building directly across on the far wall.