ACADEMY OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COLLABORATION (ABC) Art Work


Raphael, 1510-1511, Fresco, 8m x 5.5m.,
Stanza della Segnatura, Vatican, Rome

This fresco illustrates philosophy. Plato and Aristotle, the two great philosophers of the classical world are central to this piece.The groups surrounding these figures argue and ponder the ideas they put forward.
The intellectual atmosphere and the zest of interaction portrayed by Raphael inspired academy students and teachers. The environment offers a unique setting for the gathering of friends and the exchange of ideas.



Detail from School of Athens

Reflecting two schools of thought, these philosophers share a world of provocative and debatable theories. Plato points upward and represents abstract and theoretical philosophy. Aristotle gestures earthward indicating the concern with the real and practical world.



Detail from School of Athens

Raphael included these two figures to emphasize the schools of thought represented by Aristotle and Plato.

On Plato’s side (left) a statue of Apollo - the god of the Sun who represents harmony and sobriety as well as philosophical enlightenment. The figure is based on Michelangelo’s sculpture “The Dying Slave”.

On Aristotle’s side (right), a statue of Minerva - the goddess of wisdom who presides over peace. She was traditionally associated with institutions devoted to knowledge and artistry.



Detail from School of Athens

King of Macedonia and a pupil of Aristotle, Alexander is seen here listening attentively to Socrates. Questioning and analysis is the foundation of Socratic philosophy.



Detail from School of Athens

This philosopher taught that happiness lay in the pursuit of pleasures of the mind.



Detail from School of Athens

Raphael also included a self-portrait in this work. The portrait similarities to famous men were not by accident, note that Plato resembles Leonardo da Vinci. This was Raphael’s creative way of connecting the past and present, and of paying tribute to the great men of his day.



Detail from School of Athens

The renowned mathematician, Pythagoras, embodies arithmetic and music.



Detail from School of Athens

This lonely character, who was not in Raphael’s preliminary drawings, represents the melancholy philosopher, Heraclitus, who it was said wept for human folly. In reality, the figure represents the renowned artist Michelangelo. It was Raphael’s tribute to an artist whom he greatly admired.



Detail from School of Athens

A cynic, who hated worldly possessions and lived in a barrel, Diogenes’ attitude is best summed up in relaying this story. After rejecting an invitation by Alexander the Great, Diogenes was paid a visit by the new king who asked if there was anything he could do for him. His reply was “You can stop blocking the sunlight.”