Jacques-Louis David's "The Death of Socrates", a formal analysis
johnpatrickhale.substack.com
Today, we consider a work from late 18th century France. Painted in 1787, Jacques Louis David’s The Death of Socrates is a large oil painting which depicts the legendary philosopher preparing for his state-mandated self-poisoning. Held at the Met, it stands at a formidable four by six feet, providing ample room for detail, from the crowd of acolytes around Socrates to the intricate gesticulation of the man himself. Such a work is one which invites analysis.
Jacques-Louis David's "The Death of Socrates", a formal analysis
Jacques-Louis David's "The Death of…
Jacques-Louis David's "The Death of Socrates", a formal analysis
Today, we consider a work from late 18th century France. Painted in 1787, Jacques Louis David’s The Death of Socrates is a large oil painting which depicts the legendary philosopher preparing for his state-mandated self-poisoning. Held at the Met, it stands at a formidable four by six feet, providing ample room for detail, from the crowd of acolytes around Socrates to the intricate gesticulation of the man himself. Such a work is one which invites analysis.