The School of Athens - Raphael
Art can be a mirror of society by it’s concept of physical attributes that displays people and background. The people included in the artwork reflect fashion. For example, if the character in the painting is wearing something that many other people do not wear(in this case a headdress, pair of sandals or colorful clothes), it means that this type of clothing was very rare during the times of the Renaissance due to it’s high expenses. The background represents the setting, architecture and nature of the specific time period. For example, in a piece of Renaissance art, the background is usually includes building and architectures that reflect the classical architectural style of the Roman Empire. This is usually shown as semi-circular arches, classical columns, domes, symmetrical sides and detailed decorations. Another highlight that background shows is nature. Nature exemplifies how the Renaissance people were keen observers of real life and the attitude of people finding more about the world by observing it. Art illustrates society of the time through people and background, which represents fashion, architecture and nature with it.
Pythagoras
If I had the to be a part of the painting ‘The School of Athens’ I would choose to be the old man busily jotting down notes on the bottom left corner, Pythagoras. Pythagoras was an Ionian Greek philosopher. He is best known for the ‘Pythagorian theorem’ which bears his name. Pythagoras was the first man to call himself a philosopher, or lover of wisdom, and his ideas marked great influence on other mathematicians. His involvement in this painting is resonant of what he achieved and the impact he gave to mankind. Pythagoras is a concentrated scientist who is observant and takes notes on almost everything that he takes interest in. And I respect Pythagoras’ habit of jotting down whatever comes up to my head just in case there will be a time when I really need it. I personally recommend the habit of jotting down notes because it is very important and helpful in academic success. The pattern of jotting notes helps keep track of my work and pieces of information. This routine allows me to stay engaged with class discussions and record neat, correct and precise notes for presentations. Pythagoras’s habit of keeping notes was big use of figuring out the Pythagorean Theorem and I hope that my routine of jotting down notes will help me achieve success in my academic career.
