The Use Of Implied Lines In The Death Of Socrates

Implied lines are lines disguised through the use strokes, colors, values or shapes that usually help direct the eye when looking at an artwork. Directional lines are a type of implied lines that draws attention or point to the focus of a painting, there many types of directional lines that represent different meanings. In The Death of Socrates, implied lines are apparent throughout the whole painting, the outlines that separates the figures (the people) from the background can be considered implied lines. The viewer is drawn to the outlines since the forms are well-defined, I would consider this painting linear even though there are no real lines. One prime example of directional lines are the several gazes towards Socrates which points out the emphasis of the painting. As well as Socrates’ own gaze which aims at his arm, and the combinations of the shadow and the man’s gaze on the far left also keep the eye focused inside the painting. Even down to the line on the floor that helps the eye from leaving the painting. …show more content…
The use of chiaroscuro is evident all over the painting, the different values of colors in the draped clothing on all of the subjects gives the fabric volume and brings them to life. The intense use of dark and light is seen in the emphasis around Socrates, therefore having the brightest shade in the painting to draw attention to him. The extreme shadowing in the hallway located next to direct sunlight is another excellent example of chiaroscuro, as it shows the dramatic nature of the painting slowing fading out the values towards the room. As well as the clear use of different values towards the ceiling of the room because it distinctly shows where the light is coming from in the