Art History &amp Essay Example

In his painting The Death of Socrates, David explores the tension between individual will and duty to the state through formal and compositional techniques. To understand the painting, one must consider the time it was created and who commissioned it. The Trudaine de Montigny brothers, proponents of a free market system and increased public discourse, commissioned the painting after the Assembly of Notables dissolved in 1787. The painting portrays Socrates' final moments as he faced the choice between death and exile. Despite his teaching methods arousing scepticism and impiety among his students, Socrates bravely rejected exile and accepted death by drinking hemlock. In examining the composition of the painting, we observe that Socrates continues to speak even as he reaches for the cup, illustrating his indifference towards death and his dedication to his ideals and teaching methods. Most of his followers are shown grieving around him, revealing their emotional vulnerability.

At the prison, only his wife is seen in the distance, leaving. Plato and Crito, both composed, are by Socrates' bedside. David's depiction of the removed shackles portrays Socrates as liberated to choose, no longer constrained by Athenian norms that brought him to this fate. Socrates has made his decision. Instead of persisting in defying the law to teach as he desires or going into exile, he opts to die. He values his convictions and pedagogical approach above all else, even life itself.

His wife is observed from a distance as she leaves the prison, although she does not seem to be upset about her husband's impending death. The scene, when first revealed, brought to mind the recently abandoned attempt at reform and the abundance of political

prisoners in the king's jails or in exile. David clearly meant for this painting to criticize those who easily gave in to the dissolution of the assembly in 1787. As the Revolution approached, this picture served as a call to duty and a rallying point for those who desired change and resistance against the seemingly unfair authority of the king.

In terms of shared concerns between David's portrayal of Socrates' death and the philosophical debates about persistent minorities, it appears that David is illustrating the impact of being a minority (in Socrates' case, a very small one) on society. The primary issue with persistent minorities is that they inevitably persist. As previously mentioned, these minorities often receive attention and support due to their vocal nature, while ignored minorities do not.

Historically, there have been persistent majorities with grievances, such as the suffragette movement in the past. This movement successfully sought to change the laws and address women's rights.