The Death of Socrates

The Death of Socrates

Viewing the painting “The Death of Socrates” by Jacques-Louis David, one can perceive many different subject matters, both literally and metaphorically. The obvious is seen within the setting of the painting. The clear illustration of where the event is happening provides the onlooker with a glimpse into a different time and era. Conversely, the artist has taken the liberty to hide deep meaning inside the work of art through less apparent means. Symbolism through art work has endured from early works to contemporized ones, here is no different. Taking the two aforementioned into consideration gives us a glimpse into both the symbolic and factual significance of the occasion.

What we can term as the �Roman’ perspective is quite evident and alive within the painting titled “The Death of Socrates”. The setting of the incident and its surroundings are the easiest to point out. First of all, near the center of the painting you can see the Roman style lamp. This was a fixture in many Roman homes during the period. Moreover, in addition to the lamp you can also see that the hallway leading away from Socrates has the Romanesque arch. Further down the hallway you can see that the windows in the background also have the same type of arch in them that were present during the Roman Empire . Architecture in the painting has made its mark in accentuating the Roman scenery.

In this painting, there lies great understanding in the focal point of the painting seen within the noticeable light from above. The unknown source of the light is shining most brightly upon Socrates and spilling onto his disciples. However, considering that this would normally be a dark chamber, this light would tend to highlight him in an almost god-like quality. Much like a star in the sky or the spotlight of the stage, the lighting not only brings attention to the figure but gives it a certain implication of importance. Further accentuating his godliness is the way that the artist has painted the physique of Socrates. Rather than having the narrow shoulders and lack of definition we would imagine older men might have, Socrates is painted with just the opposite. Given the body of a Greek god, Socrates seems far from frail and is bursting with strength and power. Furthermore, to give Socrates an air of wisdom, he was given a beard. The beard which is representative of knowledge and intelligence flows freely upon the great teacher as his time of execution approaches. While appearing to have the divinity of a god, Socrates is still painted with physical emotion. The duality of being godly and human at the same time may have been a recurring theme at the time this was painted.

Not only looking at the mere representation of the figure who is Socrates, but by examining how he is situated among others in the painting also uncovers meaning in of itself. Studying the way that Socrates’ body is situated you can see that the artist is trying to make a statement of nobility in self-sacrifice. The finger of Socrates is pointed upward and is in the highest position in the chamber. Much like a mountain commands the landscape, so does Socrates finger in a room full of disarray and uncertainty. This can also tells us that although ready to die and in his final hour, his teachings and beliefs will continue to live on. Although Socrates is on his deathbed he still continues to teach and philosophize.

Something else that should be noted is the posture of Socrates. His back is completely erect with no support. Everyone else in the picture is leaning on someone else, facing the walls of the chamber, or slumped in defeat. Below the bed are the chains which have been unshackled from Socrates. These two details support the idea that even though death is imminent, Socrates is strong and free. While very short from the moment of his death, Socrates appears calm and collected while he continues to share his ideals with his disciples. Everything in Socrates’ physical demeanor suggests that he is defiant of his captors’ and gladly accepts his fate that has been bestowed upon him. In posture and expression, Socrates separates himself from his disciples; it is a stark contrast that permits him, the fallen leader of men, to command the scene of his own death sentence.

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