The Vatican Museums:
​Stanza della Segnatura

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Stanza della Segnatura

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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 and a private library. 

Vault

The design of the actual ceiling is attributed to Giovanni Antonio Bazzi (1477-1549), better known as il Sodoma, who, it is thought, painted the central octagon and spaces between the tondi. 

Raphael, however, painted the personifications of Theology, Philosophy, Poetry and Justice. The same four subjects are also explored in the frescoes on the walls beneath.

Adam and Eve

Raphael also painted the four panels in the corners: Adam and Eve, Judgement of Solomon, Apollo and Marsyas and the First Motion. The fresco known as Il Primo Moto (the First Motion) is, perhaps, an allegory of the beginning of the universe.   ​​

The School of Athens (Philosophy)

By far the most famous fresco in the room is Raphael's personification of Philosophy, which has become known as The School of Athens. In the centre of the fresco are Plato and Aristotle.

The seated figure in the foreground is thought to be Heraclitus, with the features of Michelangelo. Raphael and Sodoma (clad in white) appear on the far right. 

Theology

Poetry

Justice