Raphael, School of Athens

Summary

The Stanza della Segnatura, a room rich in Raphael's frescoes, symbolizes the four branches of human knowledge: philosophy, theology, poetry, and justice. The School of Athens highlights the contrast between Plato's ethereal ideals and Aristotle's focus on the physical world, with figures like Pythagoras and Euclid representing the transcendent and practical aspects of knowledge. Raphael's architectural design and the inclusion of Michelangelo as Heraclitus emphasize the intellectual significance of the Renaissance, celebrating the union of humanist learning with church teachings.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Raphael's frescoes are in the Stanza della Segnatura, a room originally part of the Pope's apartments, and were created during the High Renaissance.
• 📚 The room was initially a library, with walls lined with books, symbolizing the four branches of human knowledge: philosophy, theology, poetry, and justice.
• 🧠 The School of Athens fresco represents philosophy and features central figures like Plato and Aristotle, highlighting their contrasting views on the ethereal and the observable world.
• 🎭 Plato and Aristotle are depicted with symbolic colors; Plato wears red and purple for fire and ether, while Aristotle wears blue and brown for earth and water.
• 🎶 On Plato's side, figures like Pythagoras emphasize the ideal and the transcendent, while on Aristotle's side, Euclid represents the practical and observable.
• 🏛️ The architecture in the School of Athens is inspired by ancient Roman designs, with features like coffered barrel vaults and classical sculptures.
• 💡 Raphael includes himself and Michelangelo in the fresco, with Michelangelo depicted as Heraclitus, reflecting his brooding personality.
• 🌌 The Dispute fresco, opposite the School of Athens, represents theology, with a clear division between the heavenly and earthly realms.
• 🌈 The fresco features the Holy Trinity, with God the Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, surrounded by prophets, saints, and religious figures.
• 🎓 The Stanza della Segnatura celebrates a union of human knowledge, embracing both classical learning and the teachings of the church in a liberal moment of history.

Q & A

In which room are we observing the frescoes by Raphael?

We are in the Stanza della Segnatura, a room that was originally a library and part of the papal apartments.

What was the Stanza della Segnatura originally used for?

The Stanza della Segnatura was originally used as a library for the Pope, with the lower walls lined with books.

What significant event in art history was happening concurrently with the painting of the frescoes in the Stanza della Segnatura?

The painting of the Sistine Chapel ceiling by Michelangelo was happening at the same time as Raphael was painting the frescoes in the Stanza della Segnatura.

What are the four branches of human knowledge represented in the frescoes?

The four branches of human knowledge represented are philosophy, theology, poetry, and justice.

How does Raphael's depiction of philosophy in the School of Athens differ from his depiction of theology?

In the School of Athens, philosophy is represented by the great thinkers and philosophers of antiquity, while in the Dispute, theology is represented by divine figures such as God the Father, Christ, the Virgin Mary, and St. John the Baptist.

Who are the two central figures in the School of Athens fresco, and how are they depicted?

The two central figures in the School of Athens fresco are Plato and Aristotle. Plato is depicted pointing upwards, symbolizing his interest in the ethereal and theoretical, while Aristotle is shown with his palm down, focusing on the observable and physical.

What is the significance of the colors worn by Plato and Aristotle in the School of Athens fresco?

Plato wears red and purple, representing the ether and fire which have no weight, symbolizing his focus on the immaterial. Aristotle wears blue and brown, representing earth and water which have gravity, symbolizing his focus on the physical world.

Who is the figure in the School of Athens fresco that is believed to be modeled after a friend of Raphael's?

The figure of Euclid in the School of Athens fresco is believed to be modeled after Bramante, a friend of Raphael's and the architect of a new Saint Peter's.

Why is the inclusion of Heraclitus in the School of Athens fresco significant?

The inclusion of Heraclitus is significant because his features are those of Michelangelo, and he is depicted in a similar pose to the prophet Isaiah on the Sistine ceiling, symbolizing the idea that all things are in flux.

How does Raphael represent himself in the School of Athens fresco?

Raphael represents himself as a young figure looking directly out at the viewer, wearing a black cap, and standing among some of the most important astronomers of all time.

What architectural style is depicted in the School of Athens fresco, and how does it relate to the actual architecture of the time?

The architectural style in the School of Athens fresco is reminiscent of ancient Roman architecture, with coffered barrel vaults and pilasters, reflecting the architectural ruins that were prevalent in Rome during Raphael's time.