THE LAOCOÖN GROUP
Classification
Dimensions
204 x 175 x 85 cm
Date
1907
Period
Material
Production place
Inventory
Ag.283
ID
Hyp-6401
References
Laocoön, the Trojan priest warned the inhabitants of the city to beware of the wooden horse made by the Greeks. The gods, intent on the destruction of Troy, sent two giant snakes against him from the sea. The statue depicts the death of Laocoön and his sons: one boy looks as if he could still flee, the priest is fighting for his life, the other boy is already lifeless. The piece has been one of the most famous ancient artworks ever since its discovery. In antiquity, however, it did not make a significant impact: no ancient adaptations of the piece are known.
