The frescoes in the Stanza della Segnatura (Room of the Signature) were painted by Raphael (1483-1520) for Pope Julius II (r. 1503-13), who intended to use the room as a study. The pontiff wanted the paintings to be closely linked to the room's purpose. In the four tondos of the vault Raphael personifications of the subjects chosen for the study: Theology, Philosophy, Poetry and Justice. The same subjects are explored in the frescoes on the walls.