This painting is an allegory for the French Revolution; French revolutionaries were ready to die for their cause, to overthrow the monarchy, just as Socrates was prepared to die for his ideas, which contradicted Athenian teachings and principles.

David uses elements of idealism in his artwork. Many sources describe Socrates as old and ugly; however, David depicts him as a beautiful middle-aged man who took care of himself and ate well. At the foot of the bed is Plato, and around Socrates are his followers. His followers express all 12 stages of grief.