Disputation of the Sacrament, Painting after Raphael (1483 – 1520), Stanza della Segnatura, from 1509, Fresco, Vatican Palace, Rome

The work of Raphael (1483–1520) had lost none of its appeal during the Baroque period. One of his major works, in the Vatican Palace in Rome, is the series of frescos in the Raphael Rooms – four rooms, where the decoration was begun under Pope Julius II (1443–1513, Pope from 1503) and which were intended as a prestigious extension of the private apartments.
Nicola Bonvicini made four paintings for the wall panels in the "Stanza della Segnatura", which served as library and studiolo. The four murals are assigned to the four faculties reflecting the learning of the age: philosophy, theology, poetry and justice. They illustrate the programme of a papal rule based on justice and learning, and thus on the highest degree of scholarship.
Salzburg Archbishop Hieronymus Colloredo (r 1772–1803/1812) displayed all four paintings in his Residenz.

The fourth Bonvicini painting, showing the "Disputa del Sacramento", is in the "Stanza della Segnatura" opposite the "School of Athens". The topic is theology. This world is separated from the beyond by a continuous bank of cloud on which are seated apostles, evangelists, prophets and martyrs. At the centre is Christ, in an aureole, together with the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist, God the Father and the dove of the Holy Spirit. Hovering putti hold open the four Gospels. On the axis line, the Host, in a monstrance on the altar, symbolises the unity of Heaven and Earth. The earthly zone forms a harmonious counterpoise to the heavenly region. On either side of the altar, the Fathers of the Church are seated on stone benches, surrounded by popes, cardinals, monks, saints and other historical personalities.

Translated catalog text from:
Habersatter Thomas: Vier Gemälde nach Raffael, Stanza della Segnatura, Vatikanpalast, Rom, 1776. Parnass, Schule von Athen, Tugenden, Disputa del Sacramento. In: Gratz Reinhard, Mitterecker Thomas (Hg.): Fürsterzbischof Hieronymus Graf Colloredo. Reformer in neuem Licht. 1772-1803/1812. Ausstellungskatalog Dommuseum Salzburg. Salzburg 2023, S. 248-251