E the fashion marketplace, known for its commitment to showcasing handmade and exclusive items from small-scale local brands, designers, and artisans, has unveiled Everything’s latest line. This new collection, featuring t-shirts and sweaters, is distinguished by a captivating print of Raphael's fresco "The School of Athens" in an elegant blue and white palette on the back, offering art enthusiasts and fashion-forward consumers alike a unique opportunity to wear a piece of history.

Starting in Athens: About E

E, originally started as the denim brand Everything in 2019, has grown into a notable fashion marketplace known for its technological advancements and for supporting early-stage designers. Born in Athens, embraces the integration of elements found in the Athenian rich cultural heritage with modern style. Recognized for its commitment to supporting early-stage designers, E offers a diverse range of unique fashion items that cater to a variety of tastes. With a mission to bridge the gap between talented designers with limited resources and fashion-forward consumers, E has created a platform where lesser-worn fashion products can be discovered. Embracing technology, E aims to create a more sustainable and efficient production cycle, by incorporating innovative solutions to test demand, enhance the shopping experience and predict consumer trends.

Where to find:

Website: e-streetwear.com
Instagram: @estreetwear

Raphael's Masterpiece: A Closer Look

Raphael's "The School of Athens," a fresco that graces the walls of the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, stands as a monumental work in the High Renaissance art movement. Created between 1509 and 1511, this fresco is celebrated for its perfect embodiment of Renaissance humanist ideals. Raphael, inspired by the rich cultural and intellectual milieu of the period, sought to encapsulate the essence of philosophy and knowledge through this work. The fresco showcases a gathering of ancient Greek philosophers, mathematicians, and scientists, all engaged in various forms of discourse and study.

The technique Raphael employed in "The School of Athens" is a testament to his mastery of perspective, composition, and figure. He used fresco, a challenging medium that demands precision and speed, as the paint is applied to plaster while it is still wet. The depth and realism achieved in the fresco are remarkable, with the architectural elements drawing the viewer's eye into the scene, creating a sense of space and dimensionality that was revolutionary for its time. The figures are rendered with such detail and individuality that they seem to breathe life, each contributing to the narrative of intellectual pursuit and philosophical inquiry.

The School of Athens: Symbolism and Historical Context

"The School of Athens" is more than just a visual feast; it is a rich tapestry of ideas, symbolizing the breadth of philosophical thought from the ancient world. It presents a congregation of philosophers, mathematicians, and scientists from Ancient Greece, including the father of Western philosophy, Socrates, Plato and his student Aristotle, Pythagoras, Archimedes, and Heraclitus. At the heart of the fresco are Plato and Aristotle, two towering figures in Western philosophy. Their differing gestures — Plato's hand pointing upwards towards the heavens, and Aristotle's extending forward towards the earth — capture the dichotomy in their philosophies. Plato's gesture reflects his belief in the transcendent forms and his focus on a metaphysical realm, while Aristotle's earthward point emphasizes his focus on empirical evidence and the physical world.

This juxtaposition is not merely an artistic choice but a deliberate commentary on the philosophical debates that have shaped human thought. Plato's Academy, the setting for much of his work, was the first institution of higher learning in the Western world and serves as a backdrop to Raphael's fresco, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and truth. Aristotle, Plato's most famous student, took a more pragmatic approach, focusing on the observable universe and laying the groundwork for the empirical sciences.

By featuring "The School of Athens" on its latest line of casual wear, E not only pays homage to these philosophical giants but also invites the audience to engage with the rich historical and intellectual traditions they represent. This choice reflects a deep appreciation for the foundational texts and ideas that continue to influence contemporary thought and culture.

About the Apparel

The decision to incorporate "The School of Athens" into Everything’s latest collection is a bold statement on the relevance of classical art in today's fashion landscape. It challenges the conventional boundaries between high art and everyday wear, suggesting that great works of art can find new life and meaning in modern contexts. This approach not only democratizes access to art, making it part of daily life but also sparks conversations about the role of art in society and its potential to inspire and educate beyond the walls of galleries and museums.

Technical Details

The T-shirts, available in both black and white, feature a striking blue and white print of Raphael's "The School of Athens" on the back, crafted from 100% ring-spun combed cotton with 100% cotton trim for a premium feel and durability. The prints are applied using silk-screen printing techniques with water-based acrylic paints, ensuring a high-quality finish that captures the artwork's detail. Meanwhile, the sweatshirts are offered in navy blue and black options, designed without a hoodie for a classic fit. These are made from a blend of 70% cotton and 30% polyester for the black, and an 80% cotton and 20% polyester mix for the navy, combining comfort with resilience.