Secondary sourceSculpture1875
The Death of Socrates
Mark Antokolski · 1875
A 19th-century marble sculpture by Mark Antokolski depicting the death of Socrates, held by the Russian Museum.
Depicts the death of Socrates, the central event that defined his legacy as a philosopher who died for his principles.
About this source
What it is
This is a photograph of a marble sculpture made in 1875 by Mark Antokolski, now held by the Russian Museum. It shows an elderly, bald, bearded man seated in a chair, draped in a garment, with bare feet in sandals.
Why it matters
The sculpture represents the famous death of Socrates, who was sentenced to die by the city of Athens. Centuries later, artists like Antokolski continued to find this moment a powerful subject, showing how Socrates' trial and death remained a symbol of standing by one's principles even under state punishment.
Look closer
- What does the sculptor's choice of pose and expression suggest about Socrates' state of mind?
- Why do you think this subject remained popular with artists so long after the event?
- What can a sculpture show about a historical event that a written account cannot?
This sculpture is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Socrates on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.
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