The Death of Socrates
Jacques-Louis David
France, 1787
The Classical Era was a time of reason, and as such a figure like Socrates became an idol again. The Death of Socrates was commissioned by the Trudaine de Montigny brothers, activists for a free market system. Socrates was given the choice of death or exile by the Athenian government for his teachings and he boldly chose death. The picture of this historical event inspired reform against unjust authority, an important theme of the Classical Era in which the middle class was growing and rising.
From this period I would have to say Jacques-Louis is my favorite painter. His colors and lines combine to make a bold and crisp image. Also, he painted historic events which inspired reform as well as preached reason.
I liked hearing more about the story behind the picture. It helps to appreciate the artwork better. You did a good job with that. I agree with you on the way Jacques-Louis David uses his colors and lines. It really helps to make his paintings stand out. I liked your blog because it was short but still said everything straight to the point.
I really enjoyed this painting and I enjoyed reading about the story behind it. I have to agree with you on the way he uses his colors and lines, it does bring the painting alive. I also did some search and it is said, “The pose of the figure at the foot of the bed was reportedly inspired by a passage in a novel by the English writer Richardson.” I just love it. You did a good job describing it.
Your blog was very interesting. The story behind the death of Socrates was laid out nicely with supportive information on the author and the time of the paininting, including the date and it’s relevance to the rising of the middle class.
I also like the how Jacques-Louis David used the colorations and lines to bring the picture alive. Amazing for so long ago, uh?
What source(s) did you use to gain the supportive information?