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Wikimedia Commons · Public domain · Hover to magnify, click for fullscreen
Original fileThe scene is divided into two tiers representing the heavens and the earth. In the upper realm, Christ sits enthroned between the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist, while the lower realm shows a gathering of theologians, Church Fathers, and historical figures debating the presence of Christ in the bread on the altar. A central vertical axis connects God the Father at the top to the Holy Spirit as a dove and finally to the consecrated Host in the monstrance below.
This work represents the Renaissance synthesis of Theology and Neoplatonism, serving as the visual counterpart to 'The School of Athens' by representing 'Revealed Truth.' It reflects the intellectual atmosphere of the court of Pope Julius II and the influence of thinkers like Giles of Viterbo, who sought to harmonize ancient philosophy with Christian revelation.
MATTHEVS MARCVS LVCAS IOANNES
Translation
Matthew Mark Luke John
Giles of Viterbo
Likely provided the theological program for the Stanza della Segnatura, emphasizing the harmony of all wisdom.
Marsilio Ficino
His concept of 'prisca theologia' (ancient theology) informs the inclusion of poets and philosophers in a sacred context.
Object
Oil on panel
religious
Digital Source
Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Selbst gefertigte Fotografie eines Posters
2400 × 1794 px
Linked Data
AI AI-cataloged fields generated by gemini-3-flash-preview on April 2, 2026. Getty identifiers are AI-inferred and may require verification.