Within its grand architectural backdrop, the painting orchestrates an assembly of eminent ancient Greek philosophers, mathematicians, scholars, and scientists. Remarkably, this gathering transcends temporal boundaries, as it also includes the presence of Arab scientist Ibn Rushd from Cordoba. This interplay of diverse cultures underscores the painting’s significance as a testament to the exchange of ideas and the interwoven tapestry of human thought.

John Holgate 2016

In his commentary, Ibn Rushd explores the relationship between ethics and reason, discussing topics such as virtue, morality, and the pursuit of happiness. He also wrote commentaries on Aristotle’s “Metaphysics“, “Physics” and other works. Ibn Rushd’s commentaries were widely studied in universities in the Middle Ages, including the University of Padua.