Jacques-Louis David's, "The Death of Socrates"

"The Death of Socrates" done by Jacque-Louis David in 1787 is one of many monumental paintings of the 18th century. However it can be classed as one of the most unique for its iconological value and intrinsic meaning. With notable influences from neoclassical style and the enlightenment, as well as the way in which Socrates is portrayed, we receive a specific image of David's beliefs and the cultural and political atmosphere of the time. During the 18…

…visual" (Panofsky 39). From it we get a sense of David's influences when approaching this painting, the neoclassical style and the enlightenment. We also take from it his personal stance on political and religious issues. And in reference to Berger's article "Ways of Seeing", this painting is a very good example of how important it is to understand the cultural and political context of the time in order to understand the meaning and message of artwork.(9)