Laocoon in the Vatican Museums
If you are thinking of visiting the Vatican Museums, get ready to admire an awe-inspiring masterpiece: the sculptural group of the Laocoon. It is one of the most iconic works of ancient art, and its story, steeped in mythology and mystery, will not fail to fascinate you.
Who was Laocoon?
Laocoon was a Trojan priest. According to myth, it was he who sounded the alarm about the deception of the wooden horse, suggesting not to trust the Greeks. But Laocoon's fate changed tragically when the gods, who sided with the Greeks, sent two enormous sea serpents to kill him and his children. And it is precisely this moment of tension and despair that the sculpture captures so masterfully.
The sensational discovery of Laocoon
The sculptural group depicting Laocoon and his sons was discovered in 1506, buried under the ground in Rome. Imagine the scene: Michelangelo himself was called to see it, and it is said that he was speechless at its beauty. Since then, the Laocoon has become one of the most powerful symbols of classical art.
Laocoon: a wonder to behold in the Vatican Museums
The sculpture is now in the Octagon Section of the Pio-Clementine Museum, one of the many unmissable stops within the Vatican Museums. The complexity of the details is extraordinary: Laocoon's tense muscles, the anguished expressions of his sons, and the snakes that almost seem to come to life in front of you
What makes the Laocoon so special?
In addition to its technical mastery, the Laocoon is striking for its emotional intensity. Looking at it, you can almost feel the terror of the protagonists, the drama of the moment, and you find yourself immersed in a visual narrative that transports you straight into the heart of Greek mythology. If you love art that tells stories, the Laocoon will not disappoint your expectations.
Laocoon: the mystery of the missing parts
A small curiosity: when the sculpture was found, some parts were missing, including Laocoon's right arm. Michelangelo thought it should be bent backwards, while another sculptor, Baccio Bandinelli, reconstructed it in extension. Here's the twist: in 1906, the original arm was discovered, confirming Michelangelo's intuition! Today, the Laocoon you see has been restored with the rediscovered arm.
Vatican Museums mon amour!
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