Focus on The Death of Socrates and discuss the Similar paintings.
Pierre Peyron, a contemporary of David's, also painted an artistic rendition of the Death of Socrates around 1787.  Both Peyron's version and David's version were displayed at the same Salon of 1787.  The two had something of a rivalry before, with both hoping to become Director of the French Academy in Rome when the position next opened; the critics felt the two paintings decisively settled the matter in favor of David.  Count Potocki derisively stated that Peyron's work "has shown up the quality of David's picture by proving to the public how far beneath him one could be".Another painting depicting the death of Socrates was done by the Italian artist Giambettino Cignaroli in the first half of the 18th century. Cignaroli's work shows Socrates already dead, surrounded by his anguished followers.
Yet another depiction of Socrates' death was done by the French artist Jacques-Philippe-Joseph de Saint-Quentin. The work, currently housed at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, France, dates to circa 1762.
Count Potocki Pierre Peyron Rome French Academy in Rome Giambettino Cignaroli Socrates Socrate Paris École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts