School of Athens

The High Renaissance painter Raphael painted The School of Athens, a comment on the power and need for wisdom and philosophy as embodied by the Ancient Greeks. In 1511-1512 (exactly 500 years ago), the world was believing in the ideas of man, humanity and its power. The School of Athens is located in the Vatican Museums, and I can't believe that the first two times I went to the Vatican, I completely missed the Raphael rooms. In retrospect, I'm glad I did. Because, the appreciation I have for it has increased in two different ways. First, having a better understanding of the History of Art, I understand Raphael's place in the pantheon of artists. But secondly has to do with the fact, that since the end of May, I have been looking at a painting of the School of Athens done by the SYA students from last year.

Raphael's School of Athens. Because of some display installation in the room, one is not able to get a full on direct picture of the wall.

The SYA School of Athens is located on the wall of the school patio.

Raphael's Michelangelo...

....and the SYA Michelangelo. Recognize him? The painters replaced the major figures in the original with one of the teachers of SYA Italy 2009-10.

Plato on the left and Aristotle on the right.

Driskill left, Townsend right.

Alexander with the propeller hat talking to Socrates who is counting on his fingers.

Mazurek left, talking to Gianni C, a host parent and soccer coach. Di Giovanni the Greek teacher is in between them.

Diogenes

Sammartino

Pythagoras

Raphael painted himself into the picture, he's the one with the black hat.

Keeping with tradition, the two main painters of the SYA version, are shown on the left with Tuzi as Euclid and Eleonora behind her. Standing in the rear is Augusto (the former owner of Caffe Cavour across the street from school and a legend) he's standing in for Donatello.

I am incredibly impressed with the work done by the students and it's nice to know that I am memorialized on the wall of the school for years to come.

London (The Weather WAS Dreary)

Rain, Wind, Cold and a mere seven hours of daylight meant that most of my time in London was spent indoors. Theater, shopping, museums and high tea were on the docket.

Three shows in three days. First off, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Billy Elliot and Over The Rainbow, a play about the last days of Judy Garland.

Abbey Road! Keith and I spent the only day with sunshine walking fro the hotel to Abbey Road and through Hyde Park ending up at Harrods for its big sale.

One great afternoon spent having high tea at Fornum and Mason's with Keith and Yvonne.

Here's the spread of finger sandwiches and sweets. Note the clotted cream at the top of the center tray. Yeah, we finished it!