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January 26, 2015 4 Comments

Masterpiece Monday: David’s The Death of Socrates

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Welcome back to Masterpiece Monday, where I share with you awesome artworks and share ways to use them in your classroom or homeschool. Today is a special one, because I’ve made a video to go along with the post!

Masterpiece Monday - Amazing Works from Art History Each Week at the Art Curator for Kids - The Art Curator for Kids - Masterpiece Monday - Jacques-Louis David The Death of Socrates - Art Analysis Video, Discussion Questions, Learning Activities, and Lesson Plans

I’ve selected The Death of Socrates by Jacques-Louis David, because it is one of my favorite paintings. I love how this painting tells a story and connects with history. I’ve featured it before on Exploring Narrative in Art, and today I’m diving into the painting a little deeper. First, take a good look at it!

The Art Curator for Kids - Kinesthetic Art History - Jacques-Louis David-The Death of Socrates
Jacques-Louis David, The Death of Socrates, 1787

I’ve made for you a YouTube video going through the process of interpreting this painting as well as sharing the story of the painting and how it relates to history (the French Revolution). I wouldn’t hesitate to show this artwork to as young as maybe third or fourth grade. The video would work best for high school and adults (you!) probably.

If you don’t feel like watching, you can read the video transcript.

Art Discussion Questions

Use these questions to help discuss this painting:

  • What’s going on in this painting?
  • Describe the actions and emotions in the painting.
  • What’s the story in this painting? How can you tell?
  • What choices did the artist make to emphasize Socrates?
  • How is Socrates different from the other people in the painting?
  • What does this painting tell us about the people who made it?

Art Learning Activities

Here are some art learning activities that can accompany this painting. Please note, this post includes Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • For high school and college students, read these accounts of the Trial and Death of Socrates by Plato ($2.70 on Amazon and only $.99 on Kindle).
  • Complete any of the creative activities from Exploring Narrative in Art.
  • Check out this awesome collection of art lesson plans on Neoclassical art from the Getty for middle and high school students.
  • Learn more about Ancient Greek philosophy with this video.

That’s it! Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed my foray into making videos! 🙂

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Filed Under: Art, Art and Artists
Tagged With: best of art class curator, jacques-louis david

 

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Reader Interactions

4 Comments

  1. Barbara Ferreira

    January 28, 2015 at 1:06 pm

    I love what you have done! I recognize the hours and hours of work and research, and appreciate your willingness to share your art knowledge and experience with us. Thank you for all the free printed materials.
    I’m definitely planning to use a lot of these lessons.
    Thank you again!
    Barbara Ferreira

    Reply to this comment
    • Cindy, The Art Curator for Kids

      January 28, 2015 at 11:07 pm

      Thank you so much! It is definitely a lot of work, but it is a labor of love for sure. You’re welcome! I hope you find what I have done useful, and if you ever have any suggestions or ideas for me, I’m all ears. 🙂

      Reply to this comment
  2. Linda Miller

    October 29, 2017 at 2:50 pm

    Your critique of this painting was extremely helpful to me. You did an outstanding presentation! I am an art docent at a museum. Your art lessons, materials, and other activities will be very helpful in my presentations! Thanks!

    Reply to this comment
    • Cindy Ingram

      November 2, 2017 at 10:49 am

      Thank you so much! 🙂

      Reply to this comment

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