This white marble sculpture, attributed to Rhodian sculptors Agesander, Athenodoros, and Polydorus and re-discovered in in 1506, is a famous depiction of a scene from Vergil's Aeneid. Laocoon angered the gods twice; by his breaking imposed celibacy to father children, and then for attempting to expose the ploy of the Trojan Horse. Punishment came in the form of sea serpents, sent by the gods to crush and strangle Laocoon and his sons. Found with a missing limb, the statue bore an interpretive replacement until the 1950's when the original was miraculously recovered and restored. The sculpture, dated from between 42 and 20 BC, is on display at the Vatican Museum.

Read more about this.

Written by  Amber Dobrzensky.

Comments, reviews and questions

Photo of Sarah Clise

Masterpiece

Inspiration for the likes of Michelangelo, Laocoon and his Sons is a 1st or 2nd century white marble masterpiece that shows a priest and his sons struggling with sea serpents that are trying to kill them. Ancient Greek writers describe Laocoon as trying to reveal the true, devious nature of the Trojan Horse and accordingly being struck down by the gods who favored the Trojans. With its intense portrayal of physical pain, the sculpture has been acclaimed by many as being of the best works of art ever produced, sparking debate over the definition of ideal art.

 
Review posted 20th November 2007 by Sarah Clise.

Add a comment, review or question

Review title
Your comment
Your rating
Your name
Your email address

 
 

Sponsored ads

  • Rome - Guided Walking Tours

    Explore the highlights of Rome on foot with expert english speaking guides. Enjoy in-depth dynamic experiences in this fascinating, historic city.

    www.tourinrome.com
  • 5* Hotel Aleph, Rome - Art Deal

    Treat yourself to a short break in Rome with this Art & Culture offer at the 5* Hotel Aleph. 2 nts minimum, B&B, plus one FREE 4 course dinner and 3h…

    www.boscolohotels.com
  • Battlefield Tours to Italy

    Specialist guided battlefield tours charting the history of the Italian campaign in world war two. Coach pick ups from various UK locations.

    battlefields.leger.co.uk
  • Vatican Guided Tours

    Vaticanguidedtour is authorized by the Vatican to provide expert english speaking guided tours of this unique state, with excellent customer service.

    www.vaticanguidedtour.com
  • Hotels in Rome

    A unique selection of hand picked luxury and character hotels. Great Rates, Reviews, Special Offers & Direct Online Booking!

    www.splendia.com
  • Advertise here

Who's been here

No travelers have told us they have been here. Have you?

Similar experiences

  • Guernica (Picasso)

    'Guernica is a painting by Pablo Picasso, depicting the Nazi German bombing of Guernica, Spain, by twenty-four bombers, on Apri…

  • The Creation of Adam (Michelangelo)

    'The Creation of Adam is a fresco on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo Buonarroti circa 1511. It illus…

  • Mona Lisa (Da Vinci)

    Mona Lisa, or La Gioconda (La Joconde), is a 16th century oil painting on a poplar panel by Leonardo Da Vinci. It is arguably t…

What's nearby

  • Sistine Chapel

    This famously and meticulously decorated chapel is best known for its Michelangelos and for being the site of the Papal conclav…

  • Vatican Museums

    The Vatican Museums show world-renowned collections of ancient sculpture, medieval and Renaissance art. They include the Sistin…

  • St Peters Basilica

    The most famous church in the world, St Peters is one of four great papal basilicas in Rome, and the place of pilgrimage for al…

Related content

Subscribe to newsletter Add an experience Share