Raphael's “School of Athens” (Vasari)

Raphael's School of Athens (Philosophy), Stanza della Segnatura
Picture taken by Cava H. 

In 1509, Raphael was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican. One of the rooms Raphael painted was the Stanza della Segnatura, the papal library. Raphael painted images symbolizing the four branches of human knowledge and wisdom on the four walls of the Stanza della Segnatura – theology, law (justice), poetry, and philosophy. His philosophy mural, School of Athens, depicts a gathering of great philosophers and scientists. According to Vasari, “there are Aristotle and Plato...while around them a large school of philosophers form a circle.” Raphael included a portrait of the architect Bramante and his own self-portrait in the mural. The setting is a large hall with massive vaults. Vasari stated that Raphael “adorned this painting with perspective” and that “the entire scene is arranged with such order and measure that it truly proved his self worth.” The balance and clarity of Raphael's painting demonstrate the artistic style of the High Renaissance.