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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 3 page paper discusses the classic painting “The Death of Socrates,” done by Jacques-Louis David in 1787. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Page Count:
3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_HVdthsoc.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
Discussion There are three questions that need to be answered with regard to this painting. First, why did David choose this subject, one from ancient history, to paint in the
late 18th century? David painted it in 1787, two years before the start of the French Revolution. According to Boston College, he may have painted it to serve as a
sort of rallying point for revolutionaries: "For contemporaries the scene could only call up memories of the recently abandoned attempt at reform, the dissolution of the Assembly of Notables in
1787, and the large number of political prisoners in the kings jails or in exile" ("Jacques-Louis David: The Death of Socrates"; hereafter "David"). The artist intended the painting as a
rebuke to those who were afraid to fight for liberty ("David"). "On the eve of the Revolution, this picture served as a trumpet call to duty, and resistance to unjust
authority" ("David"). Thomas Jefferson was present when the painting was unveiled, and admired it very much; painter Joshua Reynolds compared it to the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo, went to
see it ten times, and finally said it was "perfect" ("David"). The painting shows what the philosopher thinks about death and dying. First, Socrates, who is obviously the focus
of the painting, is sitting up, still teaching as shown by his raised left hand. Hes making a point about something with one hand as he reaches for the hemlock
with the other. He is in control, vital, very much alive and clearly unafraid of dying. His friends and disciples arent doing as well. Plato is slumped at the
foot of the bed with his head bowed; he seems to be meditating - his eyes are closed and hes relaxed. He has apparently accepted Socrates decision to die. The
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