Blog Contribution - Renaissance

The School Of Athens - Sergio Arias

The School Of Athens is a painting made by Raphael in the Renaissance Period. He painted it at the beginning of the 16th Century approximately 1510 – 1511.

It is a pretty good example of Renaissance Painting because it has a lot of techniques that appeared in this time and also it shows pretty wonderful details that show the use of Perspective and Anatomy throughout the painting.

In a colorful way Raphael represents the most important characters of the Ancient Times like greek figures and characters, also he represents the Renaissance Men that were Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci along with others great mathematicians and philosophers that highly influenced in art, science, etc.

You can find Raphael´s masterpiece in the Vatican City in the apostolic palace. It´s dimensions are terrific it is 500 X 770 cm.  On a huge wall. 

Most importantly the painting was painted using the fresco style method that consisted on painting on wet plaster introducing pigments of color along with it.  by using this technique you could not make mistakes since it dried rapidly,

That was the problem with this style of painting, but one thing to highlight here is that fresco style is a very durable method and you can really appreciate the original characteristics of the painting that haven´t been restored yet.

When the plaster was dried they used several techniques like secco or they applied another coat of plaster for protection but the most remarkable technique is fresco.

This particular painting depicts the High Renaissance and makes it pretty unique. From my point of view, this shows that Raphael can be considered as Renaissance Man.

Overall, I think that this is a beautiful painting and interpretation of the Renaissance period. I think that it is worthwhile to visit all these magnificent creations that are still considered as the prettiest of all.

Bibliography

*Ancient Philosophy. "The School of Athens". Web. 30 sep 2010.

New Banner. "The school of Athens, Raphael". Web 30/09/10

<http://www.newbanner.com/AboutPic/SOA.htm>

 Raphael. Stanza Della Signature. "The school of Athens: Technique". Web. 30/09/10

<http://www.mcah.columbia.edu/raphael/htm/raphael_athens_tech.htm’>