The Death of Socrates

The Death of Socrates

Socrates was an ancient Greek philosopher who wrote of Greek religion and politics. Socrates ended up facing death and sacrificing himself for the greater good of his people. David wanted to express his desire for change in his society, he wanted the lower classes to make the sacrifice and raise against their spoiled aristocratic oppressors, for the greater good of the country like Socrates did. The Death of Socrates like other paintings in the same style made reference to classical virtues, the idea of democracy and the good of the whole. A rebirth of old styles through reference to classical, Renaissance or Baroque was also a characteristic of Neo-Classical art. Socrates was brought from the classical past in David's painting. Socrates was painted as a religious figure, an example of how secular subject matter became popular. [MH] {NR}