The Death of Socrates by Jacques-Louis David - Assignment Example

Art at My FuneralThe Death of Socrates by Jacques-Louis DavidThe Death of Socrates (1787) is an oil-on-canvas painting by Jacques-Louis David. The painting is about the story of Socrates’ demise. Socrates had been accused of spreading ideas of false gods to the Athenians and corrupting the youth with his philosophy. Hence, Socrates was sentenced to death by a jury. The painting is a representation of his final moments before death. Instead of fleeing or using his time to repent, the philosopher uses the last few hours of his life to give one last lesson to his students.

When one looks at the painting, they can see that everyone in the composition is mournful and sorrowful except the stoic man in white drapery at the center of the artwork.Here is a man who maintains his resolve in the wake of death and decides to stick to his principles, despite being condemned to death for the same philosophy. I want this painting to be viewed in my funeral because it is a representation of strength, loyalty, and principle. I intend to live my life as I always have, remaining true to myself and living by a code of practicing what I believe in.

I want people to know that I did not live life in fear, that instead of mourning, they should celebrate my life, achievements, failures, and impact on the society. Jacques-Louis’ composition is a perfect representation of the bravery and principle, with which I have lived my life. I not only intend on living a life of values and principle, I also intend on using this values to positively impact society, as Socrates influenced Plato.Works CitedHeilbrunn Timeline of Art History. Jacques Louis David: The Death of Socrates (31.45). Web. 19 Apr. 2015. .