He was sentenced to death—but even as the poison was handed to him, Socrates continued teaching. Painted by Jacques-Louis David in 1787, The Death of Socrates captures the philosopher’s final moments after Athens condemned him for corrupting the youth and challenging the city’s beliefs. Socrates sits upright, calm and powerful, reaching for the cup of poisonous hemlock while raising his other hand as if delivering one final lesson. His followers collapse in grief, but he refuses to show fear. Th