Temple of the Human mind - Stanza della Segnatura

[somegirl]

I was studying Art History and came across this very interesting Room that famous artist, Rafael Santi, painted all by himself. It's interesting to see how artists from that period were spiritualized and knew even then what were the most important things in life (talking about 16. century). By the way, artist were very respected at that time. They were viewed as privileged individuals who were given "gift of creating" by God itself. They were known as hommo universalis (genius artists who were good and successful in multiple fields) who had special ability to bring forms they painted to life by adding soul component to it, which is essential thing for Self.

Stanza della Segnatura belonged  to vatican stanzas (rooms that were painted by Rafael). Main focus in these Rooms is on human. 

Della Segnatura has 4 walls that contain following art scenes:
-La Disputa (which represents Theology)
-Parnas (reseprents Poetry)
-Athenian School (represents Philosophy)
-Justice (represents Justice)

Above each wall there are peronifications of Theology, Poetry, Philosophy and Justice in (form of tondas, circles)

So, the purpose of Stanza della Segnature is to show 4 walls of the temple of the human mind. Its purpose is also to express basic Neoplatonic principles (of Truth, Goodness, Beauty) in art form.

Truth is represented in 2 ways that illustrate 2 paths to get to the Truth: one is by Faith (La Disputa, representation of Theology) and the other way to get to the Truth is by using Reason (ratia) (Athenian School, representation of Philosophy). These two walls (scenes) are located across from each other, but not because they are irreconcilabe opposites, but because they are complementary paths to the Truth: one using Faith, other using Reason and Observation.

Goodness is represented through cardinal and teological virtues. "Virtues" is allegory for Justice.
Cadinal virtues are:
-Prudentia -  Wisdom
-Fortitudo - Strength
-Temperantia -  Balance (Moderation)
-Iustica -  Justice 
(They each also have personification in form of beautiful young women)

Angels are personifications of theological virtues which are:
-Fides - Faith
-Spes - Hope
-Caritas - Love

Beauty is represented through representation of Poetry (Parnas) aka searching for beauty in art.

Edited January 24, 2021 by somegirl
added picture