The Parnassus, from the Stanza delle Segnatura (detail) 1511

Editor: So, this detail is from Raphael's "The Parnassus," a fresco painted in 1511. What strikes me is the assembly of figures—it has such an animated yet serene feeling, a very classic sensibility. How do you see this section of the fresco, beyond the art historical details? Curator: Animated yet serene… I like that pairing! To me, it feels like overhearing the most brilliant conversation imaginable, perhaps snippets of the dialogues of Plato! See how each figure, while distinct, contributes to this overarching harmony? I feel I'm invited not just to witness, but to participate in the creation of beauty, through poetry and song, of course. Do you notice anything in particular that brings you closer? Editor: I’m drawn to the poet figure sitting alone with his back to the group, with the laurel wreath. He’s so separated in some ways and yet grounded and part of everything, simultaneously. What’s his deal? Curator: That's quite interesting... One interpretation might be that this figure is wrestling with the creative process, in moments of solitude one comes up with these strokes of genius which he will then happily share with others. The genius of his vision remains integral to this community. Art isn't made in a vacuum, after all! So the beauty can be enjoyed, pondered and felt with others. Editor: I hadn’t thought of it that way! He's integral, though seemingly apart. I’ll be seeing that image in a new way now. Thanks. Curator: Absolutely! That solitary muse, wrestling for inspiration – what could be more eternally relatable than that?