School of Athens

School of Athens Full SIze

School of Athens is a fresco by the Italian Renaissance artist Raphael. It depicts many of the great Greek philosophers. The original is at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. The central figures are Plato (L) and Aristotle (R):

Plato_Aristotle

It is commonly thought that their postures reflect their philosophy, with Plato pointing upwards in apparent reference to his Theory of Forms, while the right hand of his student Aristotle makes a level gesture, in reference to his emphasis on empiricism. Plato’s teacher, Socrates, can be found towards the left side, wearing a green robe and lecturing:

Socrates

The gentleman lounging on the steps is the great Cynic, Diogenes of Sinope:

Diogenes

Epicurus can be found on the left side:

Sanzio_01_Epicurus

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