This library is built in the open.
If you spot an error, have a suggestion, or just want to say hello — we’d love to hear from you.
Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0 · Hover to magnify, click for fullscreen
Original fileThe composition is split into a celestial realm where the Trinity and saints reside and a terrestrial realm where theologians and Church fathers debate the mystery of the Eucharist. In the center, a monstrance containing the host sits on an altar, serving as the vanishing point for the entire perspective. Above the main scene, the vaulted ceiling features allegorical figures and mythological scenes, including a personification of Theology and the flaying of Marsyas.
The work represents the High Renaissance Neoplatonic synthesis of classical philosophy and Christian theology, illustrating the path from human reason to divine revelation. It embodies the 'Concordia' (harmony) between different branches of knowledge as envisioned by the intellectual circle surrounding Pope Julius II.
DIVINAR. RER. NOTITIA LIBER GENERA TIONIS INITI UM EVAN GELII FUIT IN DIE BUS HE IN PRIN CIPIO ERAT VER
Translation
Knowledge of Divine Things. The book of the generation (Matthew). The beginning of the Gospel (Mark). There was in the days of (Luke). In the beginning was the Word (John).
Marsilio Ficino
The thematic program of the room, reconciling ancient wisdom with Christian doctrine, is rooted in Ficino's Florentine Neoplatonism.
Dante Alighieri
Dante is depicted in the earthly group on the right, representing the role of poetry in the search for divine truth.
Object
Oil on panel
religious
Digital Source
Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
Raphael, Disputation of the Holy Sacrament, 1509-10, Vatican Museums
5308 × 3384 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.