School of Athens

Artist: Raphael

Title: School of Athens

Date: 1509-1511

Medium: fresco

Provenance: The Vatican

Source: http://historylists.org/art/list-of-10-remarkable-religious-renaissance-paintings.html

Describe:The painting shows Raphael's interpretation of philosophy as a divine form of knowledge. There are 21 Greek philosophers shown, with Plato and Aristotle in the middle. Although it doesn't feature religious figures, the philosophers often discussed religious topics and ideas, therefore classifying it as a religious painting.

Analyze: the lines of the arches lead your eyes towards the middle. The bright blues and yellows symbolize knowledge. The balance in the piece show the common value of the time: logic and reason. The rhythm of the piece helps bring your eyes to the center with curved lines. The two philosophers in the middle, plato and Aristotle, are emphasized because the arch frames them and they are in the center of the piece. Every arch is framing them as a centerpiece.

Interpret: the lines of the arches help bring your eye to the focal point. The bright colors show knowledge and learning, the main value of philosophers. Balance is crucial to this piece because logic and reason were so important in this time. The rhythm also brings your eyes to the focal points of the piece. The two philosophers in the center, Plato and Aristotle, are the focal point. They were the most famous philosophers of their time. They are framed by many arches which emphasizes their importance.

Judge: I am definitely drawn into this painting because of the bright colors and arches. The arches are excellent in creating a focal point because you don't have to search to find the main subjects of the piece; they are right in front of the viewer. The painting is very interesting because it shows all different philosophers of the time, and you can just imagine what kinds of discussions they all have. The content of the artwork was well communicated.