Artwork Title – The Death of Socrates
Artist – Jacques-Louis David.
Background
The philosopher Socrates was executed in 399 BC, as shown in Jacques-Louis David’s painting The Death of Socrates. For misleading the youth and impiety, Socrates was given the death penalty for consuming the poison hemlock. Just before he consumes the poison, Socrates is depicted in the artwork peacefully conversing with his friends and students while sitting straight on his bed.
Relationship Between the Work of Art and the Event
Socrates, as the central figure in the picture, is depicted majestically and indomitably. His impact on the audience before his execution does not create doubts about Socrates authority and recognition. David used his artistic liberty to depict the scene dramatically and passionately (Jacobus & Martin, 2018). The painting shows what happened to Socrates’ execution. The depiction of Socrates as a figure of reason and free thought captures the event’s philosophical and intellectual mood.
Accuracy of the Depiction
The portrayal of Socrates’ execution in the picture is authentic, down to the use of the poison and the apparent presence of his pupils. In the context of Socrates’ execution, reflecting on his inner state was important – accepting unjust punishment and confidence in his teaching. The emotional aspect of this picture is one of the most accurate and, because of that, the most impressive. To stress the significance of Socrates’ teachings and the tragic event of his passing, David adds dramatic and symbolic aspects, such as the incorporation of light and shadow and the positioning of Socrates in the composition’s center.
Changes Made by the Artist
In the time of David’s contemporaries, the heyday of the Enlightenment, the human spirit as a symbol of insubordination was one of the key elements in art. David altered the events slightly, portraying Socrates as a brave and honorable character in contrast to some of his contemporaries’ negative perceptions of him (Zagkotas & Fykaris, 2022). In addition, David used the picture to convey his own, with the Enlightenment movement in alignment with political and philosophical views.
Artist’s Message in the Depiction
The principles of reason, freedom of thought, and intellectual inquiry—values that David felt threatened at the time—are powerfully honored in his painting.
Artist’s Statement
According to David’s comment about the painting, Socrates’s death represents a person’s sacrifice for society’s benefit and the victory of reason over passion.
References
Jacobus, L., & Martin, F.D. (2018). Humanities through the Arts (10th ed.). McGraw Hill.
Zagkotas, V., & Fykaris, I. (2022). Approaching the ‘Death of Socrates’ through art education. A teaching proposal and the introduction of a new typology for teaching with similar artworks. Journal of Classics Teaching, 23(45), 60-72. Web.