Neoclassism and the Morality of Art

on

 Neoclassism and the Morality of Art

The Death of Socrates (1787) by Jacques-Louis David

Background
Painted in 1787, and now located at the Metropolitan Museum or Art, this piece focuses on the story of the execution of Greek philosopher Socrates. Socrates was accused of corrupting the youth of Athens because of his influence on Enlightenment thinking, and was sentenced to death by drinking poison hemlock.

Analysis
In true neoclassical fashion, this linear piece appears as though it is a moment frozen in time. This piece paints Socrates as almost a martyr. Everyone around Socrates is shown crying or weeping as he accepts his death. as virtuous as ever.


Cornelia Pointing to her Children as her Treasures (1785) by Angelica Kauffman






Works Cited

 Batts, Brandi L. "An Analysis of Angelica Kauffman's Cornelia and Penelope Paintings as they Relate to Female Enlightenment Ideals." (2014).

Stevens, Jamie Alicia. "Jacques-Louis David's Neoclassicism and the Ideals of the Enlightenment." (2019).


 


 


 






Comments

  1. Tiare SimbahonJuly 2, 2021 at 6:33 PM

    Hi Taylor! Thank you for sharing your point of view on this art theme. I enjoy the painting you entered. All three show strong elements of emotion and movement. I love art like this because it seems like we are put back in history and able to get an inside look at events like these. I would love to try and paint something that looks like this but not sure if I could pull it off. There is so much detail within each piece!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment