RapThumb.JPG (9285 bytes) The Reading Images Project

 

Style:  Space

Space is the representation of  a three-dimensional world.  Three-
dimensionality is suggested by the treatment of both the setting and of the forms that are placed "within" that setting.  Techniques that suggest three-dimensionality include various forms of perspective, diminution, recession, overlapping, cast shadows, modeling, and foreshortening.

Raphael's Space

The setting of the School of Athens is represented in linear perspective.  The pattern of the the terrace, the steps, and the arches of the architecture all appear to recede backwards into space.  In addition, forms "further back" in space are smaller than those "closer" to us, further reinforcing the impression of a three-dimensional world.
     The vanishing point of the perspective is located between the heads of Plato and Aristotle, which directs our attention to them as the central characters.

Black lines represent the orthogonals of the linear perspective system.  Their  meeting place is  the vanishing point.     
 

composition     space     figures     colors      light      Renaissance Style

 

Back to Style