The School of Athens, (painting)

Smithsonian American Art Museum and its Renwick Gallery

Object Details

artist
Carelli
Raphael (copy after)
Subject
Diogenes
Aristotle
Socrates
Appears in exhibition catalog as entry no. 6
This was the second of Raphael's frescoes, painted by the Order of Julius II, after 1509. . . . The painter imagined a noble gymnasium in the form of a temple. In front, on the platform at the head of the steps, stand Plato and Aristotle, as the two centres of the rival Schools. . . . On the right of Plato, Socrates is teaching the warrior Alcibiades. Below him, in the foreground, . . . is Pythagorus, kneeling and writing, as a youth holds up to his view the table of harmonic Concords, of which he was the inventor. On the steps below Aristotle, is the half naked Cynic Diogenes. . . . In the foreground, on the side of Aristotle, you see, with his back turned towards you, with a crown on his head and a globe in his hand, Zoroaster, King of the Bactrians; and next to him Archimedes, stooping Down to demonstrate a problem of Geometry to a crowd of attentive and admiring youths. Under the form of Archimedes, Raphael portrayed the great architect of St. Peter's Bramante, his relation, and the founder of his fortunes. . . . The wonderful variety--the life--the animation--the accuracy with which each Philosopher tells his story--all exhibit an extent of thought and observation. . . . This first Chamber was finished between 1509 and 1511. (On canvass--length 5 feet 5 inches, breadth 3 feet 9 inches.) [Pp. 10-11; see entry 06140006 for related commentary.]
Catalogue of the Pictures which formed the collection of Joseph Capece Latro, ancient Archbishop of Taranto, &c. in the Kingdom of Naples now exhibited in the City Dispensary, in White Street, for the benefit of that Charitable Institution. New York, October, 1835.
1876
Control number
AECI 06140003
Type
Paintings
Exhibition Catalogs
Medium
Canvas
Pre-1877 Art Exhibition Catalogue Index
Topic
Allegory--Arts & Sciences--Philosophy
Portrait male
Portrait group
Occupation--Education--Philosopher
Record ID
siris_aeci_108965
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