| Artist | |
|---|---|
| Date | early 20th century (plaster cast), ca. 40–30 BC (original) |
| Object type | plaster cast |
| Medium, technique | plaster |
| Dimensions | 280 × 170 cm |
| Inventory number | Ag.283 |
| Collection | Classical Antiquites - Plaster casts |
| On view | Star Fortress (Komárom), Michelangelo and Graeco-Roman Sculpture, Gallery XVI |
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.
This record is subject to revision due to ongoing research.
