'The School of Athens' is a fresco painting created by Raphael from 1509-1511. It still stands today located in the Vatican museum.
The School of Athens symbolized philosophy, depicting the most respected philosophers, astronomers, scientists and mathematicians gathered together and engaged in dialogue of such matters. These areas of study are integral to philosophy and it is believed that a mastery of all of the named subjects are needed to have a complete understanding to be able to adequately debate philosophy.
The conversations of philosophy were no longer focused on God or a higher power, but a more Humanist approach.
Although names were never assigned by Raphael, the books that the two figures in the front and center are holding are labeled, "Timaeus" and "Ethics." Giving a inkling that the center figures are Aristotle and Plato.
You can see Plato on the right pointing upward and Aristotle on the left pointing down. This is believed to be incorporated into this art piece because Plato believed in a true and pure reality that transcends physical factors and time (hence he is pointing up,) while Aristotle believed that the only reality is one that you can experience. There is a clear division in the group on either side of Plato and Aristotle.
The linear perspective of this painting gives depth to the painting and gives this painting a 3d appearance. It also brings attention and focus to Aristotle and Plato's beliefs.
The figures are modeled well depicting dialogues, a man swiftly writing, and figures in deep thought. There is meticulous details like the jewelry, the folds on the clothing, and the hair on the figures.
In the back of the School of Athens, you can see the sky and clouds floating beautifully. This and the natural anatomy and features of the figures shows the Naturalism within this work of art, a key . There is a clear mastery in conveying the body, the figures look graceful and perfectly posed. As if this was a picture that was snapped without anyone's knowledge.
I love the man sitting at the bottom of the stairs by himself. I noticed him immediately because he is the only one who is not engaged with someone. He seems to be reflecting and listening quietly. I wonder why he was put in the front of this piece instead being placed in the background.
References.
Richman-Abdou, K. (December 17, 2017). "The Captivating History and Enduring Influence of Italian Renaissance Art." mymodernmet. https://mymodernmet.com/italian-renaissance-art-definition/
Harris, B., & Zucker, S. (February 2, 2017). "How to Recognize Italian Renaissance Art." Smarthistory. https://smarthistory.org/how-to-recognize-italian-renaissance-art/
Khan Academy. "Raphael, School of Athens." https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/early-europe-and-colonial-americas/renaissance-art-europe-ap/a/raphael-school-of-athens
Ancient Greece is my favorite time period although I don't know much about their specific pieces as much as the art movements themselves. The man in the blue robe on the steps has the countenance of Diogenes (referred to as "Diogenes the Dog" by some). He was a prominent follower of asceticism and would lay anywhere and do as he pleased, even masturbating, and would condemn others for playing a societal charade. I see this piece as the equivalent of an album cover, or one those of the "Rat Pack" that you see at bars, except it appreciates the community of the fathers of western philosophy.
ReplyDeleteI have found that studying the art made during this time period has allowed me to appreciate what the pieces are representing. I always admired how the linear perspective of this work made the painting feel grand, but learning about who the two main figures are and what is actually happening in this scene has helped me enjoy and understand the painting that much better.
ReplyDeleteI really like your approach to the analysis of this art piece. I saw this in live at the Vatican Museum in Rome. It is impressive, beautiful, and almost overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteI especially love the colors and I can almost hear them all arguing and debating.
The solitary man sitting at the desk in the bottom left is believed to be the famous Michelangelo and I am just guessing that he might have been painted alone, because he also was a poet and might have been a quiet man. Again, those are just my own thoughts and a guess.