Alexandre Petrus (1988) - L'ECOLE D'ATHÈNES

THE SCHOOL OF ATHENS
Artist: Alexandre Petrus
Technique: stencil, acrylic spray paint
Support: Cotton canvas
Dimension: 116x89x2 cm
Year of creation: 2025
Signed on the front with AP monogram.
Authenticity: Comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Condition: Excellent



ABOUT THE ARTWORK

This artwork is a contemporary reinterpretation of The School of Athens, one of the most iconic masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance, originally painted by Raphael between 1509 and 1511 in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. The original fresco is celebrated as a visual manifesto of human knowledge, philosophy, science, and intellectual dialogue.

At the center of the composition stand Plato and Aristotle, the two pillars of Western philosophy. Plato, pointing upward, symbolizes the world of ideas and metaphysical truth, while Aristotle, gesturing horizontally, represents empirical knowledge and rational observation. This contrast between idealism and realism structures the entire scene.

Surrounding them are many major figures of Ancient Greece and classical thought, including Socrates, engaged in debate; Pythagoras, shown teaching mathematical harmony; Euclid (often modeled on the Renaissance architect Bramante), demonstrating geometry; Heraclitus, portrayed in deep contemplation; and Diogenes, reclining freely on the steps, embodying philosophical detachment from social conventions. Contrary to common confusion, Thales is not explicitly identified in the fresco — a frequent misconception — whereas Pythagoras and Euclid are clearly represented through symbolic attributes.

In my reinterpretation, I chose a dominant blue palette to reinforce the idea of knowledge as something timeless, fluid, and universal. Blue becomes a visual metaphor for thought, reason, and the continuity of human intellect across centuries. The stencil technique allows me to fragment the scene into rhythmic layers, echoing the structured yet dynamic nature of philosophical exchange.

Rather than simply reproducing the original fresco, I aimed to translate its essence into a contemporary street art language — blending classical culture with modern urban expression. The precision of the stencil work reflects the rigor of philosophical thought, while the textured background introduces spontaneity, reminding us that knowledge is always alive, debated, and evolving.

This piece serves as a bridge between antiquity and contemporary art, offering collectors a powerful symbol of intellectual heritage, cultural depth, and the enduring relevance of human inquiry.



About the artist

I’m Alexandre Petrus, a French stencil artist blending instinct and precision. I handcraft all my stencils and paint original artworks that merge pop culture, classical references, mythology, nature, and emotion. I create murals across France and perform live paintings for weddings and corporate events. My work explores the balance between spontaneous abstraction and meticulous stencil work, emphasizing originality within repetition — each piece is entirely unique.

Instagram: @alexandrepetrus.art
website: www.ap-art.fr




SHIPPING

The artwork will be professionally packaged and shipped in a reinforced, secure crate, with tracking and insurance included.