Who painted 'The School of Athens'?

One of the most famous of Raphael’s paintings for the Vatican Palace is 'The School of Athens', painted between 1509 and 1511. The masterpiece reflects the growing interest in Ancient Greek Philosophy in Rome at the time. Several of the figures in the scene have been identified by art historians, including a self-portrait of Raphael posing as Apelles of Kos, a 4th century BC painter.

In the centre of 'The School of Athens', the Greek philosophers Aristotle and Plato are seen in conversation. Plato points his hand towards the sky, signalling his idealism and abstract thinking, while Aristotle gestures at the ground, referencing his study of the natural world and human behaviour. In his other hand, Plato holds a copy of 'Timaeus', a dialogue that responds to the opinions of other scholars. Similarly, Aristotle holds a copy of his 'Nicomachean Ethics', which had a profound influence on Europeans during the Middle Ages. Around Plato and Aristotle, other philosophers are engaged in debates about their ideas and theories.

Raphael was commissioned to paint 'The School of Athens' and many other frescoes by Pope Julius II. Julius was responsible for rebuilding St. Peter’s Basilica and the establishment of the Swiss Guards. When Julius died in 1513, he was replaced by Leon X (1475-1521), who continued to oversee Raphael’s progress in the Vatican Palace.

On Good Friday, 6th April 1520, Raphael passed away after developing a sudden fever. He was only 37 years old.