Why Is Raphael Still Relevant Today

During the High Renaissance (1490-1530), Raffaello Sanzio, also known as Raphael, was summoned to the Vatican by Pope Julius II and given the largest, most important commission of his life. He was asked to decorate the Papal Apartments, which included the Stanze Della Segnatura. The School of Athens by Raphael created in 1510 was to depict worldly (Greek) and spiritual (Christian) thinking (Slack, 2017). This painting represents all the greatest mathematicians, philosophers and scientists from classical antiquity gathered together sharing their ideas and learning from each other. The images brings together people who lived at different times under one roof (Khan Academy, 2017). In the center of the painting, Aristotle and Plato appear to be talking about an important concept. Due to the importance of their influence on Western culture, one could argue that they are discussing their personal philosophies on Christianity. Plato was aiming to prove his philosophy that the truer reality is eternal and unchanging. Furthermore, this otherworldly reality is the ultimate reality, and the seat of all truth, beauty, justice, and wisdom. On the other hand, Aristotle is holding his hands down showing Plato that there is more to the world than just what is in the ultimate reality. In Aristotle’s philosophy, the only reality is the …show more content…
In reality, I believe it is more relevant today than in previous time periods because we currently are going through a Renaissance of innovation and collaboration. In the past, certain topics could not be touched as it would cause too great of a controversy. Now people from all different backgrounds and countries are coming together to combat ideas such as gay rights, and maternity leave for both parents. Without collaboration from all different cultures, our laws and regulations would be one sided. True equality would not be achieved, leading to the issue getting pushed onto someone else’s