Plato, a Greek philosopher and mathematician, was a central figure of Renaissance philosophy. “Platonism, as if often noted, constituted intellectual premise for the renaissance recovery of Plato. The renewed interest in Plato was the result of contact between Italian humanists and erudite Byzantines.” (The Cambridge Companion, pg. 262) Yet, a central figure of Renaissance philosophy, he was also a literal, central figure of the painting by Raphael. Plato holds his book, Timeus, in the painting, which fixates on the transcendent and metaphysical nature of humanity. Standing besides Aristotle, the audience can obviously tell the difference between the two with their distinct physical features. Being Aristotle’s teacher, Plato appears physically …show more content…
Why? Raphael reflected on the fact that even though two people or even two different cultures remain to be bias for their own beliefs, it does not imply that they need to be separated and not share their own thoughts with one another. In this painting, thinkers and philosophers with varied opinions and beliefs surround Aristotle and Plato, but there is still a feeling of warmness and enthusiasm for each other’s thoughts. It’s still rather important to appreciate someone else’s works so you inherit more human knowledge. Is not that what philosophy and Raphael’s depiction of philosophy is all about? The High Renaissance was a period of humanism, where the individual questioned just nearly anything even the observable realm full of material …show more content…
He drew attention to notions on mythology, mathematics, architecture, and moral ethics. He highlighted certain features of the persons in his paintings because he wanted the audience to know who was who. In, The School of Athens, he placed the philosophers in specific places to emphasize the distinction between their philosophies. He undertook these small touches to the painting, which accentuated almost everything; he brought out the light of every detail. Raphael was one of a kind, creating masterpieces and influenced by so many at such a young