We can consider 'The School of Athens' as a 'visualization of knowledge.'" in addition to Plato and Aristotle, Euclid and Pythagoras are present among others. Lahanas even suggests that the painting may be a reproduction of Plato's Academy. This concept would emphasize a commitment to learning, as well as an interest in antiquity and classical learning. The architecture depicted is a "modification of Bramante's first design for St. Peter (Lahanas).
The combination of classical scholars, emphasis on learning, and suggestion of St. Peter's draws together all of the relevant characteristics of the Renaissance. First, Raphael most obviously alludes to the Renaissance's interest in antiquity with the identifiable Greek scholars. That two of the most prominent classical philosophers are prominent, suggesting not only their importance, but also the importance of the classical period. In addition, the situation in which the philosophers are located places an emphasis on the importance of learning in the Renaissance. As Lahanas suggested, the atmosphere suggests one similar to Plato's academy, and the figures are obviously conversing with one another. In this...
Furthermore, as paintings in the Middle Ages were often designed to emphasize the glory of God, Raphael's "The School of Athens" emphasizes the glory of humans, as their learning and interaction is portrayed in such a positive light. Thus, the humanistic quality of the Renaissance was also illustrated by Raphael's work.
Like the Middle Ages, the Renaissance was a time of great contribution to the intellectual and cultural history of the West, but the Renaissance's contributions were quite different than those of the Renaissance. The Renaissance was characterized by a return to learning, an interest in classical antiquity, a focus on humans. Raphael's paining, "The School of Athens" combines these characteristics in order to embody the spirit of the Renaissance.
Works Cited
Guisepi, R.A. (nd). The Renaissance. Retrieved December 30, 2008, at http://history- world.org/renaissance.htm
Lahanas, Michael. (nd). School of Athens, "Who is Who?" Puzzle. Retrieved December 30, 2008, at http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/SchoolAthens.htm
