Humanism was the belief that man is the measure of all things, not God, and that because man can reason he is in charge of his own destiny. Humanistic artists like Raphael became interested in the details of the figures and the realism and drama of their paintings. For example, in Raphael’s Transfiguration (below on the left) the bottom half of the painting shows the disciples’ panic as they try to cure a possessed boy. Their positions and facial expressions are very realistic and detailed. Another example is The Deposition, in which the figures are in awkward and dynamic positions, as if they were about to come to life. The subjects are anatomically correct, which you can see especially on the figure of Christ.
Individualism
Raphael was a true Renaissance man. He was skilled in art and sciences and worked hard to educate himself and develop his God given talents and was known for being kind and charming. He translated this individualism into his art by becoming one of the most famous portraitists in Rome. As well as the Portrait of Castiglione he was known for his detailed portrayal of Pope Julius II (Portrait of Pope Julius II below in center), and his self portrait.
Classicism
Raphael showed his appreciation of Greek and Roman Classicism in many of his paintings. Galatea depicts a scene from Greek mythology, and many of his paintings including School of Athens, The Expulsion of Heliodorus from the Temple, and The Mass at Bolsena, contain buildings with basic classical architecture. School of Athens also acknowledges the great thinkers from the classical time. Raphael expressed his support for the new curriculum of the liberal arts by painting the headings Theology, Law, Poetry and Art above the four frescoes in the Stanza della Segnatura. His goal with the paintings in this room was to showcase the themes of human knowledge.
Scientific Rationalism
Raphael understood the importance of scientific rationalism in his paintings. Many of the figures in his paintings are in the shape of pyramids, especially his Madonnas. One of the best examples of scientific rationalism in art is in Raphael’s first major painting, The Marriage of the Virgin (below right). Here the figures are in distinct groups, there is a balance of people on each side of the painting and you can see the depth and perspective in the background.