The Story Behind Raphael’s Masterpiece ‘The School of Athens’
Raphael is arguably one of the most celebrated Renaissance painters and his artwork is considered to be some of the highest-quality artwork of its time. One of the most famous pieces of his artwork is ‘The School of Athens’. It is a fresco that was painted in the Borgia Appartement of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. It was completed in 1511 and is considered Raphael’s masterpiece.
The painting depicts a gathering of various ancient Greek philosophers, thinkers, and mathematicians with Raphael’s beloved mentor, Leonardo da Vinci, representing the central figure of Plato. This painting also serves as an homage to da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’ painting. Here, we’ll dive into the fascinating story behind one of Raphael’s greatest works.
The Theme of ‘The School of Athens’
Raphael has famously declared that “Painting is the grandchild of nature” and this philosophy is on clear display in ‘The School of Athens’. This painting depicts the collaborative and intellectual spirit of the great philosophers, mathematicians, and thinkers of ancient Greece. It is essentially a celebration of the human spirit, of knowledge, philosophy and wisdom.
The painting is packed with symbolism and hidden meanings. The use of colour, the placement of different figures, and the sheer grandeur of the painting’s composition all work together to create a painting of immense beauty and intellectual profundity.
Notable Figures in ‘The School of Athens’
The painting is populated with portraits of various famous Greek philosophers, mathematicians, and scholars, painted in the style of Renaissance style. Some of the most famous figures featured in the painting include:
• Plato: Represented by his beloved teacher, Leonardo da Vinci, Plato is shown at the center of the scene. He is surrounded by various other figures, including Raphael’s pupil, Giulio Romano on his left.
• Aristotle: Represented as a youthful figure gazing upwards, Aristotle is placed to the right of Plato and is believed to be portrayed as Hermes Trismegistus (the Roman god of wisdom).
• Averroes: Located to the far right of the painting, Averroes is depicted as a portrait of an old man with his eyes closed.
• Pythagoras: Pythagoras is shown at the bottom center of the painting, in the lower left corner, and is believed to be the figure with a beard and a cap of wisdom.
• Heraclitus: Heraclitus is located at the far left of the painting and is depicted as a figure with an arrogant facial expression and angry gesture.
• Diogenes of Sinope: Represented as a disheveled figure standing in an alcove at the lower right of the painting, Diogenes of Sinope is believed to be the figure holding a lantern, searching for the ‘truth’.
• Epicurus: Located at the bottom left corner of the painting, Epicurus is believed to be the figure with a book in his left hand pointing up to the heavens.
• Socrates: Represented as a bald figure next to Plato, Socrates is believed to be the figure examining a geometrical figure in his hands.
• Hypatia of Alexandria: Located just left of Socrates, Hypatia of Alexandria is depicted as a female figure wearing a full-length, blue robe.
Rome’s Influence on ‘The School of Athens’
Raphael’s ‘The School of Athens’ is filled with various elements from classical antiquity. Aside from the beauty of the composition and the iconic figures, the architecture depicted in the painting is based on ancient Roman buildings, particularly the Pantheon, which can be seen in the distinctive curved ceiling and the rotunda-like space filled with books.
Raphael also includes two inscriptions on the archways, which are believed to be philosophical references. One is a Latin inscription by Seneca, reading “Theoricae vero diligentissime perspice” (“Look upon the theories with utmost attention”) while the other is an Ancient Greek inscription by Epicurus, reading “Υπομνηματα γλυκα διδασκαλιας” (“ Sweet remembrances of teaching”).
Raphael’s ‘The School of Athens’ is a testament to his skill as an artist and is one of the most iconic works of Renaissance art. It has served as an inspiration for many artists, philosophers and social commentators over the centuries and continues to be seen as an embodiment of the human spirit, of learning, wisdom and knowledge.
It is an artwork that stands the test of time and serves as a reminder of the importance of intellectual pursuits, collaborative thinking, and a celebration of critical thinking. The School of Athens is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire until this day.
