Visual: “The Death of Socrates” features an image of Socrates energetically speaking to his followers from an upright seated position on a bed or couch. He looks to be in total control of himself, but all those around him appear to be weeping, or suffering from intense grief. Socrates appears to be only surrounded by men, who are all wearing lose fitting but brightly colored robes. Despite the bright colors, each individual appears to be highly realistic, and nearly perfect in physique. The men are backed by a wall made of rectangular stone bricks, which also appear to be highly regular. To the left of the men is an archway that looks out to another brick wall, and a staircase, which is being ascended by three individuals.

Context: According to an article from Boston College’s website, the peace was created by Jacques-Louis David as an instigating tool during the early stages of the French Revolution. David and a tight circle of friends were pushing for major political reform. The idea was that Socrates is depicted as a heroic defender of thought, who was being suppressed and ultimately killed by a corrupted government that sought to silence the skepticism that his teachings created. It is written in Boston College’s article, that the work served as “a trumpet call to duty, and resistance to unjust authority” on the eve of the French Revolution.

Subjective: I hate to be a bore, but I actually quite liked the work. The classical style of art appeals to me much more than some of the more modern styles, and I appreciate the order and precision of David’s work. I also appreciate more bold colors and lines/edges in art, and “The Death of Socrates” has its share of both. From the precise cracks in the wall, to the bright reds and glowing white’s of the men’s robes, the work certainly delivers. I can also appreciate the context of the work, and the idea’s that drove its creation, but I tend to prefer much more literal and clear cut movement driven art. In other words, if an artist is attempting to further a specific movement, I would much prefer that they make it obvious from the start, rather than force the viewer to read the back-story to fully understand that said art isn’t just a pretty picture.