This fresco, painted between 1509 and 1511, is located in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace and depicts a gathering of great philosophers and scientists from antiquity. It's renowned for its:
* Composition and perspective: The scene is organized around a vanishing point, creating a sense of depth and grandeur.
* Balance and harmony: The figures are arranged in a balanced and harmonious way, reflecting the Renaissance ideals of order and beauty.
* Individual portraits: Many of the figures are identifiable portraits of famous figures like Plato, Aristotle, Euclid, and Pythagoras.
* Symbolism: The painting is rich with symbolic meaning, representing the power of human reason and knowledge.
While Raphael painted many other masterpieces, The School of Athens remains his most iconic and enduring work, a testament to his genius and the spirit of the High Renaissance.