Socrates and Diotime 1775 - 1780

Jacques Louis David created this sketch, Socrates and Diotime, during the Neoclassical period when there was a renewed interest in classical antiquity. The sketch depicts Socrates, the Greek philosopher, and Diotime, a female seer and philosopher who is teaching him about love. The contrast between the muscular, seated Socrates and the standing, draped figure of Diotime subtly challenges traditional gender roles. In this drawing, David is not just illustrating a scene, he is reflecting on the very nature of knowledge and authority. In a society where women’s voices were often marginalized, Diotime emerges as a key figure, disrupting the idea that wisdom is exclusively the domain of men. The emotional exchange between the two figures suggests a relationship built on mutual respect. David invites us to reflect on the power of dialogue in the pursuit of wisdom. It also encourages us to challenge the structures that dictate whose voices are heard and whose are silenced.