The Death of Socrates
Jacques Louis David
In 1787, Jacques Louis David painted ‘The Death of Socrates.’ The canvas measures 51 by 77 1/4 inches. It portrays the philosopher’s final moments, sentenced to die by poison hemlock. New York.
Socrates, seated and reaching for the cup, is surrounded by his distraught students. He remains calm, illustrating his commitment to his ideals. The scene is based on Plato’s ‘Phaedo.’
The painting is oil on canvas, part of the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Collection. Acquired by the museum in 1931. It exemplifies the neoclassical style of the late 18th century.
Jacques Louis David was a leading figure in the Neoclassical movement. His work was influenced by the political upheavals of his time, including the French Revolution and the rise of Napoleon.
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/436105
https://oolf.net/open-art/david-the-death-of-socrates-1787/