“The Death of Socrates: One Last Lesson” Living in the metropolitan area, I was fortunate to be able to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and see Jacques Pièce neoclassical work by Louis David, The Death of Socrates. David's work depicts Socrates in his final moments. Socrates was put to death because of what the government believed was corrupting young minds with his teachings (“The Death of Socrates…”). Socrates was a Greek philosopher. He is said to be the originator of Western philosophy (“Socrates”). One of his most famous students is Plato, who can also be seen in the painting. Socrates accepts death, while the people around him do not take it so easily. Since his entire life was based on the government putting Socrates to death for “corrupting young minds,” Socrates believed in democracy. He finally accepted his death, even if it is difficult to accept. Neoclassicism was a modernized result of the Baroque style and the classical style before it. The death of Socrates marks the beginning of neoclassicism. This piece evokes emotion, just like pieces from the Baroque period. It has been compared to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Stanze (“The Death of Socrates – Jacques-Louis David”). It was considered one of David's greatest works. Jacques-Louis David was considered one of the best neoclassical artists of the time. The Death of Socrates is one of Jacques-David's most famous paintings. The oil painting on canvas was completed in 1787 in France (“The Death of Socrates – Jacques-Louis David”). It is said to be the largest painting since the Sistine Chapel (Padiyar 27). David uses light to create the mood and atmosphere of the photo. The sun somehow shines in a dungeon on Socrates, creating the center of attention. The Sistine Chapel is located in Vatican City, where the Pope lives in Italy. Although many other artists painted in the chapel, Michelangelo was commissioned to paint the ceiling. Michelangelo used light to convey the stories he painted on the ceiling. In addition to the Sistine Chapel, Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper could complement The Death of Socrates. The Last Supper was painted before the death of Socrates and is located in Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan, Italy. It is not considered a true fresco style painting because it is painted on a dry surface rather than a wet surface (“The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci – Painting Facts”). Unfortunately, due to the materials and process used to paint The Last Supper, it has to be restored quite frequently (“The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci – Painting Facts”). Socrates' death reminds me of The Last Supper because of the central characters, Jesus/Socrates, coming to terms with their death. There, followers are gathered around them to be with them during their final moments. Similar to Jesus, Socrates also had a following of people. Jesus had his disciples, while Socrates had his students. Both Jesus and Socrates were ready to accept the inevitable. They kept their dignity until the end of their lives. Most men look upset or