Raphael's fresco "The School of Athens" depicts philosophers in ancient Greece gathered in the city of Athens. He uses techniques like linear perspective, organization of figures in space, and use of color to structure the composition. The work represents the High Renaissance style through its realistic figures, mastery of perspective, and emphasis on humanism and classical subjects. It reflects the changing intellectual culture of the time period which valued philosophy, literature, and humanist ideas through its depiction of great thinkers like Plato and Aristotle engaged in scholarly debate in the city known as the birthplace of Western thought.

1. de Beaufort
CONTENT and FORM
Individual Writing Assignment
“The School of Athens”, Raphael, 1509- 11, Fresco, Vatican City
1. Describe FORMALLY the work in terms of space and composition. How does Raphael
organize the piece? What artistic methods does he use to structure the composition?
Address:
 Color
 Space/linear perspective
 Composition placement/focal point
2. Describe the CONTENT of the piece. Who is depicted, why is this significant? Where is the
setting, why is this significant?
Address:
 Subject matter (identify individuals)-what are they doing?
 Setting-where is the actual piece?
 Setting-where is the setting the piece depicts
3. What identifies this work as “High Renaissance” ?How is this work different from early
Renaissance art (Giotto), and similar to other High Renaissance pieces (da Vinci)
Address:
• Formal methods (perspective)-compare to Last Supper, Arena Chapel

2. 4. What is the artistic and historical significance of the piece? What does the work say about the
values of the culture that created it ?
Address:
• Humanism and Neo-Platonism (How does this work reflect changing life
philosophies, literary interests, intellectual ideas) What is the School of
“Athens” and how is that significant ?
• Significance to the present moment in history. (Do not just state “this
work is significant to the present moment in history….tell me HOW)
Your writing must be clear and organized with separate paragraphs for each bullet point above (9
paragraphs total).
Specific examples and relevant vocabulary words and concepts are expected.
Your notes and the text should provide enough information but provide citations when using
external sources.
Bad writing is restatement of the question with vague general answers and no insight. Good
writing provides clear, coherent well organized examples that demonstrate knowledge.
100 POINTS