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!
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!
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.
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.
- 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)
. (This is an affiliate link. Purchases made through the link support the work I do for you on Art Class Curator.)
- 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.
If you liked this article, you may also like these other articles on Art Class Curator.
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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
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. 🙂
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!
Thank you so much! 🙂