Great Art Ep.4: The School of Athens (Raphael) | NTD Arts & Culture

Summary

Raphael's *The School of Athens* beautifully blends classical philosophy and Renaissance ideals. The painting centers on Plato and Aristotle, symbolizing two divergent philosophies—Plato's idealism and Aristotle's empiricism. Raphael uses geometric perspective to highlight their intellectual dominance, while surrounding them with other great philosophers like Socrates and Euclid. The architecture draws from Roman influences and St. Peter's Basilica, with Raphael subtly inserting himself into the scene. The artwork also serves as a tribute to Michelangelo, showcasing the tension between mathematical precision and artistic inspiration, making it both a celebration of classical thought and a personal, philosophical statement by Raphael.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Raphael’s *The School of Athens* embodies the Renaissance ideal—a revival of classical antiquity harmonized with the spirit of the modern Christian world.
• 🏛️ The fresco features Plato and Aristotle at its center, symbolizing the twin pillars of Western philosophy, surrounded by a grand assembly of ancient Greek thinkers.
• 🕊️ The architectural design of the painting mirrors the layout of St. Peter’s Basilica, designed by Raphael’s friend Bramante, emphasizing the union of art, science, and faith.
• 🧠 Plato and Aristotle’s gestures represent their contrasting philosophies—Plato points upward toward the realm of ideal forms, while Aristotle gestures outward toward the empirical world.
• 👣 Plato is depicted as ascetic and spiritual—barefoot, aged, and rising slightly from the ground—while Aristotle appears grounded, worldly, and refined, dressed in luxurious robes.
• 📚 The painting’s structure divides into two philosophical sides: the Platonic (ideal and spiritual) and the Aristotelian (empirical and material), highlighting different approaches to truth.
• 📏 Raphael includes figures such as Euclid and Pythagoras to symbolize geometry, mathematics, and harmonic proportion—the foundations of knowledge and artistic composition.
• ✍️ Raphael includes his self-portrait in the fresco, aligning himself with the tradition of mathematical precision and intellectual artistry exemplified by Euclid.
• 🗿 A brooding figure representing Heraclitus doubles as a portrait of Michelangelo, paying tribute to his rival’s genius and his poetic, inspired approach to art.
• 💡 This inclusion of Michelangelo introduces a new concept of artistic inspiration—shifting from art as rational and mathematical to art as divinely inspired and poetic.
• 🔭 Through its depiction of philosophers, artists, and mathematicians, *The School of Athens* becomes a visual synthesis of reason, harmony, creativity, and divine inspiration—the essence of the Renaissance worldview.

Q & A

What is the significance of Raphael's 'The School of Athens' in the context of the Renaissance?

Raphael's 'The School of Athens' represents the intellectual spirit of the Renaissance, which sought to revive and merge classical knowledge from the ancient Greek world with the Christian values of the modern era. The painting embodies the fusion of ancient philosophy with Renaissance humanism, showcasing the great philosophers of ancient Greece in a contemporary setting.

Why does Raphael include statues of Apollo and Athena/Minerva in the painting?

The inclusion of Apollo and Athena (or Minerva, in Roman mythology) as statues in the background highlights the connection between classical paganism and Christian thought during the Renaissance. Apollo, the god of poetry, and Athena, the goddess of wisdom, symbolize the philosophical and intellectual pursuits that the Renaissance celebrated, while also appearing in the study of a Christian pope.

How does Raphael use architecture in 'The School of Athens' to convey meaning?

Raphael uses architecture to reinforce the themes of knowledge and philosophy. The composition of the painting is based on the design of the new St. Peter's Basilica in Rome by Bramante, incorporating classical Roman architectural elements such as arches, coffered ceilings, and a carefully structured perspective. This architectural style symbolizes both the intellectual and spiritual heights of the philosophers depicted in the work.

What is the symbolic difference between Plato and Aristotle in the painting?

Plato and Aristotle are positioned as the central figures of 'The School of Athens,' with their body language and gestures symbolizing their philosophical differences. Plato points upwards, representing his belief in a higher realm of ideal forms, while Aristotle gestures outward, symbolizing his focus on empirical observation and the practical world. These contrasting gestures underscore their divergent philosophies.

How does Raphael differentiate between Plato and Aristotle in terms of their appearance?

Raphael differentiates the two philosophers through their appearance and attire. Plato is depicted as an older, unkempt figure, standing on his toes in a vertical, otherworldly pose. Aristotle, in contrast, is portrayed as a well-groomed man of the world, wearing a blue robe with gold trim, standing firmly on the ground in a horizontal pose. This distinction visually represents their respective philosophical outlooks.

What is the significance of the figures of Euclid and Pythagoras in the painting?

Euclid, the Greek geometer, and Pythagoras, the mathematician, represent the Renaissance's reverence for mathematical and geometric knowledge. Euclid's teaching of geometry and Pythagoras' work on harmonic proportions embody the idea of mathematical harmony in the universe. Their presence in the painting highlights the Renaissance integration of mathematics into art and philosophy.

Why does Raphael include a self-portrait in 'The School of Athens'?

Raphael includes his self-portrait as a way of linking himself to the intellectual tradition of the Renaissance, particularly to the concept of art as a form of philosophy grounded in mathematics. By positioning himself among great philosophers and mathematicians, Raphael emphasizes the importance of the artist's role in the philosophical discourse of his time.

What is the role of perspective in 'The School of Athens'?

Perspective plays a crucial role in 'The School of Athens,' both in the physical composition of the painting and in its symbolic meaning. The rational space of the painting is constructed using linear perspective, which adds depth and clarity, reflecting the Renaissance emphasis on order, symmetry, and the scientific approach to art. The perspective also highlights the philosophical structure and hierarchy present in the painting.

How does Raphael use the contrast between verticality and horizontality in the painting?

Raphael uses verticality and horizontality to symbolize the contrasting philosophical perspectives of Plato and Aristotle. Plato's verticality, represented by his upward-pointing gesture, signifies his belief in transcendent ideals, while Aristotle's horizontality, demonstrated by his grounded posture and outward gesture, symbolizes his focus on the empirical world. This contrast visually reinforces their differing approaches to philosophy.

What is the significance of the melancholic philosopher in the painting, and who does he represent?

The melancholic philosopher, depicted in a brooding pose with boots and a pen in hand, represents Heraclitus, the ancient Greek philosopher known for his contemplation of the nature of reality and change. This figure is also a tribute to Michelangelo, reflecting Raphael's admiration for the master. The melancholic posture symbolizes the introspective, poetic nature of artistic inspiration, which contrasts with the rational, mathematical approach to art seen elsewhere in the painting.