How Can Art Be a Mirror of Society?
Raphael's The School of Athens Models Renaissance society, because it shows growth and curiosity by humans, and a unquenchable thirst for knowledge. The painting depicts a Philosophical academy in ancient Greece, with the focal point being two of the most influential philosophical minds ever to grace this planet; Plato and Aristotle. Around them are many other great philosophers and scientists of ancient Greece. Putting all of these great thinkers under one roof was portraying the ancient Greek times as a continuous flow of knowledge that everybody could and did access. I believe Raphael painted this as a goal for Renaissance Europe, to be able to construct this society in which change was accepted, and knowledge was shared. Raphael depicts Renaissance society as growing to become this center of learning and growth, it mirrors what Renaissance society aspired to be.
Who Would I Be in The School of Athens?
Raphael's The School of Athens Models Renaissance society, because it shows growth and curiosity by humans, and a unquenchable thirst for knowledge. The painting depicts a Philosophical academy in ancient Greece, with the focal point being two of the most influential philosophical minds ever to grace this planet; Plato and Aristotle. Around them are many other great philosophers and scientists of ancient Greece. Putting all of these great thinkers under one roof was portraying the ancient Greek times as a continuous flow of knowledge that everybody could and did access. I believe Raphael painted this as a goal for Renaissance Europe, to be able to construct this society in which change was accepted, and knowledge was shared. Raphael depicts Renaissance society as growing to become this center of learning and growth, it mirrors what Renaissance society aspired to be.
Who Would I Be in The School of Athens?If I were to be in Raphael's The School of Athens I would be Alcibiades, on Plato's side of the philosophic debate, the non-tangible side. Alcibiades was a strategic advisor, military commander and politician. However Alcibiades did not use force to win his battles, rather, he used logic, and quick thinking to conquer his foes. He won wars by making and breaking political alliances depending on the balance of power in Europe. He was infamous for his ability to conquer a city without ever having to penetrate its walls. Alcibiades played mind games with his enemies, destroying them psychologically rather than physically. I, like Alcibiades use my logic and common sense to get me out of otherwise inescapable situations, I prefer to work on a psychological level when I disagree with somebody instead of taking a more physical approach, and by making the right allies, I assure that I will succeed in my mission, whatever it may be. I believe that in The School of Athens I would be Alcibiades because of our many similarities, especially our belief that the mind is the best battlefield.
