'The school of Athens'
painted between 1509 and 1510 signifies philosophy through uniting many intellectuals from classical antiquity. Amongst the work' Raphael has portrayed philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Pythagoras and Socrates. The mystery about this piece is that not all the characters that are depicted can be identified with certainty rather allowing the audience to think and wonder about the work. After all isn’t that what the work embodies: thinking?
I was fortunate to see this piece in person in the Vatican City. As I gazed over the immensely detailed work I was astonished by Raphael's talent, which led me to further research this piece, over time my appreciation grew. The ideals from many of the people portrayed in this work greatly influence my way of life and due to this I feel my connection is on a very personal level. On the right hand corner Raphael portrays himself, Unlike most others in this work he is gazing back at his audience, this allows the viewers to connect with the artist.
I was fortunate to see this piece in person in the Vatican City. As I gazed over the immensely detailed work I was astonished by Raphael's talent, which led me to further research this piece, over time my appreciation grew. The ideals from many of the people portrayed in this work greatly influence my way of life and due to this I feel my connection is on a very personal level. On the right hand corner Raphael portrays himself, Unlike most others in this work he is gazing back at his audience, this allows the viewers to connect with the artist.
