Overview:

is a masterpiece of Hellenistic Greek sculpture, depicting the Trojan priest Laocoön and his two sons Antiphantes and Thymbraeus battling sea serpents sent by the god Apollo in revenge of the priest's actions. It is housed in the Pio-Clementino Museum of the Vatican Museums. The sculpture is believed to be an original work of two Rhodes sculptors, Agesander and Athenodoros, which dates back to the 1st or 2nd century BC. The sculpture is an example of the hellenistic style of art. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Vatican-City
Prominent Features:

The Laocoön sculpture is located within the Vatican Museums and is one of the most important works of art in the world. It is a marble sculpture depicting the mythological hero Laocoön and his sons who were killed by a pair of sea serpents sent by the gods. It is believed to have been made between 160 and 200 BC, and is an example of Hellenistic art. It is considered a masterpiece, and its influence can be seen in many later works of art such as Bernini's sculpture of Apollo and Daphne. The Laocoön sculpture is considered one of the most influential and iconic works of art from the ancient world and has been the subject of much scholarly study and admiration. This national monument of Vatican-City portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Laocoön statue in the Vatican is an ancient Hellenistic Greek marble structure that dates from the 1st century BC and is believed to be from Rhodes, Greece. The artwork was recovered in 1506, and has become a prominent symbol of Catholic culture in Vatican City ever since. The artwork was discovered in Rome by two brothers, Antonio and Alfonso, who were looking for ancient ruins amongst the remains of Nero’s Domus Aurea palace. After the brothers had removed part of the soil, they found the sculpture in its entirety. The artwork shows Laocoön and his two sons battling sea serpents sent by the gods to kill them for warning the citizens of Troy against the Trojan Horse. The sculpture served as inspiration to Renaissance artists like Michelangelo, who praised its beauty. The artwork is held in the Pio-Clementine section of the Vatican Museums and measures approximately 3.3 meters in height and 4.5 meters in width. It is believed to be a copy of an original sculpture by the Rhodian sculptor Agesander. The Vatican had remained the official home of the sculpture since it was discovered in the 16th Century. Despite debates on the story of the Laocoön being portrayed in the sculpture, the artwork remains a timeless masterpiece of art and is respected as a solid proof of the intelligence and talent of ancient civilizations. This masterpiece is a unique representation of Greek mythology, with its epic scenes depicting the father Laocoön being swallowed by two sea serpents sent by Zeus to punish the Trojans. The sculpture helps portray the agony of Laocoön and at the same time conveys the power of the gods. You must visit one of these historical places in Vatican-City on your Vatican-City tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Sculpture of Laocoön is one of the most famous ancient sculptures still standing today. It was first discovered in 1506 near the site of the Baths of Titus in Rome. 2. The sculpture depicts the Trojan priest Laocoön and his sons Antiphantes and Thymbraeus being attacked by sea serpents sent by the gods. 3. The Laocoön sculpture is believed to have been crafted around 200 BC and is typical of Hellenistic style from the period. 4. The sculpture is a monolithic block of marble standing at 2.25 meters tall. It currently resides in the Vatican Museums in Rome. 5. It is believed that the sculptors of Laocoön were three Greek sculptors from the island of Rhodes, Apollonius, Athenodorus, and Polydorus. 6. The composition of the group is so realistic it has been described as an expression of agonizing pain. 7. The Laocoön was long thought to be a copy of an ancient Greek original, however it is now believed to have been an original sculpture. 8. Today the Sculpture of Laocoön is still considered to be one of the great masterpieces of Greek sculpture. Visit one of the famous monuments of Vatican-City with your friends and family.