The School of Athens

The School of Athens is a beautiful painting done by Italian artist Raphael in the year 1510. In the painting, a throng of philosophers, including Plato and Aristotle, congregate in a large, classical style building. A series of arches frame the painting, each one getting smaller as they fade into the distance, directing the viewer’s attention to the center of the painting. The first arch takes up the top two corners and the sides of the painting, giving the impression that the viewer is watching the scene from the entrance of the room. The walls of the first archway are decorated in Renaissance era designs and motifs, while the architecture past the entrance is ancient Roman in style. It’s as if the painting is meant to represent a window into the classical world.

The philosophers are dressed in bright vivid colors, and they seem to be engaging in their debates with passion and energy. The walls of the building are a soft, clear white, which was the color of the marble that was commonly used in Classical era architecture and sculpture. The light, vivid color scheme of The School of Athens conveys a sense of grandeur, freedom and enlightenment.

From the subject matter to the style of artwork, The School of Athens is undeniably a product of the Renaissance. As was common during that time period, The School of Athens glorifies the culture of the ancient Greeks and Romans. It shows us a worldview where knowledge and intellectualism were given a great deal of importance. The painting utilizes many artistic techniques which were refined during the Renaissance, such as foreshortening and linear perspective. The figures in the painting have a soft, rounded form, which is commonly seen in Renaissance era paintings.