Interpreting History

The School of Athens by Raphael

:The School of Athens" painted by Raphael shows how art both mimics and helps society grow. Like most paintings of the renaissance, the painting reflects a real life object or event and not something abstract. Historians can take apart this primary source from the renaissance to help us decipher the past. The school of Athens shows many philosophers and important figures from history such as Ptolemy, Alexander the Great, etc. The painting contains real people who lived throughout history and help progress our knowledge of the universe. Artistic minds such as Raphael painted history in which helped record the many events and people that carried on the renaissance.

If I were part of the fresco "The School of Athens" I would be the philosopher Ptolemy. He stands at the bottom right corner of the painting holding an orb. Ptolemy was born in Egypt 90AD, he studied astronomy and came up with the Ptolemy theory which claimed that the earth was the center of the universe. Though he was wrong his theory was supported by the Catholic Church for over 1400 years. Like Ptolemy I would like to study astronomy and help advance the knowledge of our universe. Making an impact in the world and standing out to generations to come. Using modern tools I wish to improve upon the foundation of the universe. Though this will be a challenging task, Ptolemy stands as idol for individualism and the world of science.