Video Description
The School of Athens by
Raphael in the Apostolic Palace, Vatican City.
Source: YouTube.com.
The School of Athens and Geometry
The School of Athens was painted by Raphael Sanzio or Raffaello Santi (1483-1520) for Pope Julius II (1503-1513) as a part of Raphael's commission to
decorate with frescoes the rooms that are now known as the Stanze di Raffaello, in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. In this fresco.
Geometry plays a significant role in The School of Athens beyond just its
representation of the pursuit of knowledge. The architecture of the building
depicted in the painting is based on the principles of classical Greek and
Roman architecture, which also relied heavily on geometric forms and ratios.
For example, the arches and columns in the painting are based on precise
geometric proportions, such as the Golden Ratio, which was believed to
embody a sense of beauty and harmony. The use of such precise mathematical
ratios and proportions in the architecture of the building is a testament to
the value that was placed on geometry during the Renaissance.
In the foreground of the painting, we see several figures engaged in activities related to geometry. For example, one figure is holding a compass, while another is holding a set square. These tools were commonly used in geometry during the Renaissance, which was a period of renewed interest in classical learning and ancient philosophy.
Furthermore, many of the figures in the painting are engaged in activities
related to geometry, including measuring and drawing geometric shapes. This
emphasis on geometry reflects the importance that was placed on mathematical
knowledge during the Renaissance, which was seen as a crucial tool for
unlocking the mysteries of the natural world.
In summary, The School of
Athens is a celebration of classical learning and ancient philosophy, and
geometry plays a crucial role in this celebration by symbolizing the pursuit
of knowledge, beauty, and harmony through rational inquiry and logical
reasoning.