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The Death of Socrates

Unknown

1750

From the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst

Dominant colour

The Death of Socrates is a 1750 by Unknown, held at Statens Museum for Kunst.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1750
Where can I see it?: Statens Museum for Kunst

About this work

This painting shows a group of men in a dim, brick-walled room. One man lies on the floor in a blue robe, while others stand or sit around him. Some look worried or sad, and one man in a white robe is gesturing with his hand raised. A body wrapped in cloth rests on a table in the center, with another man holding a scroll. The man on the floor seems to be reacting strongly to the scene, covering his face. The lighting focuses on their faces and hands, making them stand out against the dark background. This painting uses chiaroscuro, a technique where strong contrasts between light and dark create drama.