In this work, leading artists of Raphael's day portray the great Greek thinkers of the past.
In this corner of the painting we see a self portrait of Raphael looking out at us. He is talking to Zoroaster, also known as Zarathustra. Ptolomy has his back to us and is holding the globe.
Euclid is portrayed here teaching children math.
Central in the red and blue robes is Plato, played by Leonardo da Vinci. Sulking in the foreground is Michelangelo, playing the part of Heraclitus.