The school of Athens was painted by Raphael who was a popular artist at the time. it was painted between 1509 and 1511. It was part of Raphaelβs contribution to decorating the rooms that are now known as the Stanze di Raffaello. It is now located in the Stanze della signatura at the apostolic palace in Vatican City, Italy. The school of Athens is the first of four Raphael Rooms, which are in the Vaticans museums.