# The Death of Socrates [View the canonical artwork record]() ## Artwork - Artist: [PEYRON, Jean-François-Pierre]() - Date: 1751-1800 - Technique: Oil on canvas, 98 x 133 cm ## Commentary Peyron's The Death of Socrates, commissioned by d'Angiviller for the Crown, was in competition with Jacques-Louis David's work of the same subject. David's confidence in surpassing his rival, coupled with his aggressive and ambitious nature, make it very possible that he chose to paint his own Socrates when he learned of Peyron's plans. The force and clarity of David's version was thrown into even sharper relief by the lack of drama and focus in Peyron's work, and both the public and critics declared David's work to be far superior. David eclipsed his long-time rival once and for all, and from then on Peyron had to be content with a subordinate role in the art world. ## Related artworks - [Alceste mourante]() - [Belisarius Receiving Hospitality from a Peasant Who Had Served under Him]() - [The Death of Alcestis]() - [The Death of Socrates]() - [The Funeral of Miltiades]() ## Attribution [Web Gallery of Art]()