Neoclassical art or history painting is the visual embodiment of the academic values set out by the Academie Royale,Paris and Felibien in the hierarchy of the genres.
This method of history painting harks back to antiquity and was generally produced for powerful, educated patrons and should contain the following;
There should be a narrative aspect to the work. The Death of Socrates being an ancient tale/event fit this well.
There should be a grouping of figures as the ideal of the human form in a group situation is thought as the most difficult to paint and organise.
Organisational structures such as perspective should be used to suggest an intellectual element to the work.
Facial expressions should be clearly discernable according to Charles le Brun. This helps to make the narrative clear.
