Raphael Rooms
Between 1509 and 1511, Raphael also completed another work on the wall opposite the "Disputa". This third painting, entitled "The School of Athens", represents the degrees of knowledge or the truth acquired through reason. The fresco's position as well as the philosophers' walk in direction of the Holy Sacrament on the opposite wall suggested the interpretation of the whole room as the movement from the classical philosophy to the true religion and from the pre-Christian world to Christianity. It was meant to reside over the philosophical section of Pope Julius II's library. It is perhaps Raphael's most famous fresco.
Adoration of the Shepherds (Raphael)
Although there are indications that this drawing could be Raphael's design, additional study is needed. The active composition of the design is very different from designs of the period. It can be argued that this design is related to the "Raphael Rooms" in the Vatican, as some of the compositions in the "Adoration of the Shepherds" occur in those compositions. It can also be argued that many of the features of this drawing belong to the traits of the early 16th century. Raphael used a goldfinch perched in the tree in "Madonna and the goldfinch," currently in the Uffizi Gallery and dated to 1505-1506. However, after the early 16th century Raphael did not appear to use the goldfinch again. Details of the composition including the fully kneeling shepherd, the second shepherd stepping in, the active Joseph, and the Virgin with her hand on her bosom, became common in depictions of the "Adoration of the Shepherds" later in the 16th and 17th centuries.